--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I'm not saying 'The Godfather' trilogy…" description: "\"I'm not saying 'The Godfather' trilogy was bad - because it was brilliant - but that was fiction. It was based on reality.\" — Frank Vincent" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c3/frank-vincent-11910_bad_i-m-not-saying-the-godfather-trilogy-was_25146.jpg" --- # I'm not saying 'The Godfather' trilogy was bad - because… ![“I'm not saying 'The Godfather' trilogy was bad - because it was brilliant - but that was fiction. It was based on reality.” quote by Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c3/frank-vincent-11910_bad_i-m-not-saying-the-godfather-trilogy-was_25146.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c3/frank-vincent-11910_bad_i-m-not-saying-the-godfather-trilogy-was_25146.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c3/frank-vincent-11910_bad_i-m-not-saying-the-godfather-trilogy-was_25146.jpg) > “I'm not saying 'The Godfather' trilogy was bad - because it was brilliant - but that was fiction. It was based on reality.” [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker distinguishes between artistic brilliance and factual accuracy, noting that even a masterfully crafted narrative can be fictional while drawing from real events. **In simple terms:** Great art can be fictional yet rooted in truth. Key Takeaway Distinguish art's craft from its factual basis. Themes art vs reality fiction vs fact narrative authenticity cultural impact storytelling Mood thoughtful analytical critical Type observation analysis commentary When to use this quote - film analysis - media studies - cultural criticism - education - personal reflection Key Concepts media criticism historical adaptation authorial intent Practical Applications - critical essay - lecture on media literacy Questions to Reflect On - How does knowing a story's factual basis change your appreciation? - Can a work be both artistically brilliant and historically inaccurate? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brilliant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brilliant/) [Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction/) [Film](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/film/) [Godfather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/godfather/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) ## Related quotes > ['The Godfather' changed the way gangsters acted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/the-godfather-changed-the-way-gangsters-acted/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > ['The Godfather' illustrated the family values - the reality that it was really a family thing, honor and tradition. It wasn't just a single-dimension…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/the-godfather-illustrated-the-family-values-the-reality-that-it-was/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [All fiction is based on truth - 'Madame Bovary' is based on a true story!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leila-slimani/all-fiction-is-based-on-truth-madame-bovary-is-based-on-a-true-story/) [Leila Slimani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leila-slimani/) > [Fiction is based on reality unless you're a fairy-tale artist, you have to get your knowledge of life from somewhere. You have to know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hunter-s-thompson/fiction-is-based-on-reality-unless-you-re-a-fairy-tale-artist-you/) [Hunter S. Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hunter-s-thompson/) > [I was really interested in doing a really science fiction-based story because it's something I feel like I hadn't done yet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lindsey-morgan/i-was-really-interested-in-doing-a-really-science-fiction-based-story/) [Lindsey Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lindsey-morgan/) > [It is true that some of my fiction was based on actual events. But the events took place after the fiction was written.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-abbey/it-is-true-that-some-of-my-fiction-was-based-on-actual-events-but-the/) [Edward Abbey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-abbey/) > [“I have tread all three of his books and they held me spellbound interesting story. Its fiction based on fact...mmm I like!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-alvin/i-have-tread-all-three-of-his-books-and-they-held-me-spellbound/) Harold Alvin > [My fiction is based on both my own experience transformed, altered, juggled and changed to suit the demands of composition, character, and plot. If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clarence-major/my-fiction-is-based-on-both-my-own-experience-transformed-altered/) [Clarence Major](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clarence-major/) > [With fiction, you are creating an imaginary world. And it can be a very mechanical process. In a fictional film, you create the characters…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mano-khalil/with-fiction-you-are-creating-an-imaginary-world-and-it-can-be-a-very/) [Mano Khalil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mano-khalil/) > [“A life of fiction based on fact”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-life-of-fiction-based-on-fact/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Good science fiction is always based in contemporary truths. One of the themes is the overextension of credit, the nature of being indentured to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/good-science-fiction-is-always-based-in-contemporary-truths-one-of/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [It's funny because when I was growing up, I was really into science fiction and fantasy as a kid. And, when I first became…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-orloff/it-s-funny-because-when-i-was-growing-up-i-was-really-into-science/) John Orloff > [Good science fiction is always based in contemporary truths.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/forest-whitaker/good-science-fiction-is-always-based-in-contemporary-truths/) [Forest Whitaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/forest-whitaker/) > [So much of what I write in fiction is based on true stories.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-kurlansky/so-much-of-what-i-write-in-fiction-is-based-on-true-stories/) [Mark Kurlansky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-kurlansky/) > [Science Fiction is not just about the future of space ships travelling to other planets, it is fiction based on science and I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-m-auel/science-fiction-is-not-just-about-the-future-of-space-ships/) [Jean M. Auel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-m-auel/) ## More by Frank Vincent > [It's very important what you say to kids. You have to walk a very fine line between talking about your life and talking about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/it-s-very-important-what-you-say-to-kids-you-have-to-walk-a-very-fine/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [People are funny in the way that they choose to express themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/people-are-funny-in-the-way-that-they-choose-to-express-themselves/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > ['The Godfather' changed the way gangsters acted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/the-godfather-changed-the-way-gangsters-acted/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > ['The Godfather' illustrated the family values - the reality that it was really a family thing, honor and tradition. It wasn't just a single-dimension…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/the-godfather-illustrated-the-family-values-the-reality-that-it-was/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [Being down makes you think who you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/being-down-makes-you-think-who-you-are/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [If it's Saturday night, and you're sitting on your couch watching 'Showtime at the Apollo,' then you're not a man's man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/if-it-s-saturday-night-and-you-re-sitting-on-your-couch-watching/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [A man's man is respectful, he's honorable, he's loyal, he's sensitive, he's strong, he's tough, he's well-groomed, he has a sense of humor -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/a-man-s-man-is-respectful-he-s-honorable-he-s-loyal-he-s-sensitive-he/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [A man's man has no problems with commitment, as long as he's not with a woman who needs to be committed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/a-man-s-man-has-no-problems-with-commitment-as-long-as-he-s-not-with/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [You have got to have a good sense of humor, you have got to be tough, and you have got to know how to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/you-have-got-to-have-a-good-sense-of-humor-you-have-got-to-be-tough/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [People approach you in a different way when you're a celebrity - some are nice, some are not nice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/people-approach-you-in-a-different-way-when-you-re-a-celebrity-some/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [I wanted to be what I am. All my life. A musician and an actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/i-wanted-to-be-what-i-am-all-my-life-a-musician-and-an-actor/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [My son, Tony Vincent, is a stuntman. He doubles for Jim Caviezel on 'Person of Interest.' He works really hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/my-son-tony-vincent-is-a-stuntman-he-doubles-for-jim-caviezel-on/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [I do a lot of meet-and-greets with the people, and I do 'sign shows' where I meet people and sign autographs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/i-do-a-lot-of-meet-and-greets-with-the-people-and-i-do-sign-shows/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [As a character actor, you have to understand that it's not about you. You have to remember it's about someone else's life. And your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/as-a-character-actor-you-have-to-understand-that-it-s-not-about-you/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [You take what God gives you and relish it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/you-take-what-god-gives-you-and-relish-it/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) [Explore all 57 Frank Vincent quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) ## More Bad quotes > [If I am going to be phased out by whatever powers, then I want people to know that it is not because I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/parvathy/if-i-am-going-to-be-phased-out-by-whatever-powers-then-i-want-people/) [Parvathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/parvathy/) > [Sometimes I'm in a bad mood, sometimes I'm in a good mood. It's like everyone else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tricky/sometimes-i-m-in-a-bad-mood-sometimes-i-m-in-a-good-mood-it-s-like/) [Tricky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tricky/) > [Unfortunately, we all go through bad phases.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sushmita-sen/unfortunately-we-all-go-through-bad-phases/) [Sushmita Sen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sushmita-sen/) > [The Derby experience had not been good for me and the way it finished left a very bad taste in my mouth so I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nigel-pearson/the-derby-experience-had-not-been-good-for-me-and-the-way-it-finished/) [Nigel Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nigel-pearson/) > [What people tend to forget is the journey that I had getting to Formula One. There were plenty of years where I had to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-hamilton/what-people-tend-to-forget-is-the-journey-that-i-had-getting-to/) [Lewis Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-hamilton/) > [Television, radio, social media. The 24/7 news cycle plows forward mercilessly on our desks, in our cars and in our pockets. Thousands and thousands…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-prince/television-radio-social-media-the-24-7-news-cycle-plows-forward/) [Joseph Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-prince/) > [I listen to heavy metal thanks to my son. When I argue with him on the kind of music he is listening to, he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zeenat-aman/i-listen-to-heavy-metal-thanks-to-my-son-when-i-argue-with-him-on-the/) [Zeenat Aman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zeenat-aman/) > [I've said it before, good people are forced to do bad things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angus-cloud/i-ve-said-it-before-good-people-are-forced-to-do-bad-things/) [Angus Cloud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angus-cloud/) > [“If any woman opens her legs for you, don't feel so lucky to be fed with nonsense, she has been a bitch for a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-bassey-johnson/if-any-woman-opens-her-legs-for-you-don-t-feel-so-lucky-to-be-fed/) [Michael Bassey Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-bassey-johnson/) > [One thing I always tell players is that there are three bad things: Nothing good happens after midnight, nothing good happens when you're around…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-saban/one-thing-i-always-tell-players-is-that-there-are-three-bad-things/) [Nick Saban](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-saban/) > [Everybody has bad days, but how you respond to it is a testament to whether you are a winner or a loser.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-gordon/everybody-has-bad-days-but-how-you-respond-to-it-is-a-testament-to/) [Aaron Gordon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-gordon/) > [Obviously I'm very grateful 'Bad Guy' is doing so well - it's shocking and surprising and gratifying - but I do think it's important…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/finneas/obviously-i-m-very-grateful-bad-guy-is-doing-so-well-it-s-shocking/) [Finneas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/finneas/) > [I felt pretty good growing up. I didnt feel a lot of prejudice or racism. But I do remember, if there was going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-henry-hwang/i-felt-pretty-good-growing-up-i-didnt-feel-a-lot-of-prejudice-or/) [David Henry Hwang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-henry-hwang/) > [If you read 'Lord of the Rings' and dismiss it as a lie because it has orcs and elves, you're missing the whole point…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doug-tennapel/if-you-read-lord-of-the-rings-and-dismiss-it-as-a-lie-because-it-has/) [Doug TenNapel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doug-tennapel/) > [My conscience is really active. So I feel bad about spending excess amount of money on things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/syd/my-conscience-is-really-active-so-i-feel-bad-about-spending-excess/) [Syd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/syd/) Browse all 7,973 Bad quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I'm not saying 'The Godfather' trilogy was bad - because it was brilliant - but that was fiction. 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