The Godfather: Blog Post 1

The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a 1972 American crime film based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel The Godfather. The film is regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema, and as one of the most influential, especially in the gangster genre.

The first part of the film we watched focused on "Don" Vito Corleone, the leader of a New York crime family, played by Marlon Brando. Don Vito is seen as the most powerful figure in the beginning. This is shown by the camera techniques, mise en scène, and editing. 

There is, first of all, a stark contrast between Don Vito's mafia life and his family life. The film begins with Amerigo Bonasera asking/begging for Don Vito's assistance for revenge against the men who tried to rape his daughter. This scene begins with Bonasera's face filling most of the frame, but as his story proceeds and his appeal becomes clear, the camera has zoomed out making him seem small and insignificant compared to Don Vito Corleone, who despite him facing away from the camera and being in the corner of the frame, is powerful and has the upper hand. In his mafia life, Don Corleone is grim and composed, while in his family life he is more open and lively. This can also be seen from his clothes. Don Vito was wearing a black suit to match his sketchy gangster life, but it is contrasted with the bright red rose in his jacket pocket symbolising his other life.

While the wedding was taking place, Michael, Vito's youngest son, talks to his girlfriend Kay, vaguely telling her about his father. The things he says about Don Vito is an example of indirect characterisation as the audience learns more about Don Vito through Michael. This is an important aspect of the film because it tells the audience how other characters view this all-mighty leader and it allows us to form an idea of what Don Vito's character is like.