Fellow Cinephiles: Why was Gordon Willis' cinematography of Godfather I and II "Controversial"?

[Mike 03]

While reading Amazon's critique of the Godfather trilogy, their reviewer made the intriguing comment that Gordon Willis' cinematography for Godfather I and II was considered "controversial" at the time, but does not elaborate as to why.

I am dying to know if anyone understands that comment. I've been watching the first two Godfather films lately, and am extremely curious to understand more about the perception of the cinematography at the time, or why his work was considered "controversial" if anyone knows.

Greatly appreciated.

[ohiosmith]

1. As I recall, it was the lighting. Especially the interior scenes which were extremely dark in the

original cut/release.

[sarge43]

2. Something I noticed

The camera angle was nearly always eye level and no overheads or rapid tracking or cuts. The audience was like a silent character, part of the scene.

[edbermac]

3. See a documentary called Visions Of Light

About cinematography over the years. His fellow cameramen called Willis The Prince Of Darkness as he liked to film dimly lit scenes. Also at the time studios were worried how the movies would play in drive-ins, thinking patrons would barely able to see the scenes as shot.