"The Godfather" is an iconic film that was released in 1972. Directed and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic work of art won three Academy Awards. It was also a launching pad to stardom for several actors, most notably Al Pacino. This formal analysis will discuss in detail the picture's popular baptism scene; explain the editing technique, symbolism and various other film elements present but frequently overlooked. An understanding of the common terms and methods used in filmmaking will enable the recreational moviegoer to enhance their experience tenfold. .
Parallel editing is the cinematic act of cutting between actions taking place in multiple locations so as to imply they are actually occurring at the same time. Coppola uses this throughout his Godfather trilogy and the baptism scene is a perfect example. A montage in film is a type of parallel editing where a series of scenes are joined together to signify the passage of time. As the child is being baptized, we as an audience are frequently shown clips of Mafia hits ordered by Michael himself. Throughout the montage, Coppola mirrors the shot proximity between the church and murders. For example, a close-up of Michael in the church would immediately be paired with an equal close up of the killings. Character actions are also mirrored. This helps maintain flow and cinematographic consistency. The priest continues to speak scripture over these scenes and by the use of montage editing we can now see two distinct sides of Michael. The Christian father figure he is now becoming, and the ruthless Mafia killer that also occupies a decent percentage of his soul. .
Juxtaposition in film is the arrangement of two opposing ideas, characters or objects side-by-side to contrast the two and make their differences crystal clear. Coppola is quite fond of this method and it can be found in all three of the Godfather films. In "The Godfather", the juxtaposition of the church shot with the many murder shots is quite necessary in conveying the monumental change of Michael.
The Godfather stresses the importance of loyalty within the family. ... Color in The Godfather, is used to show film noir. ... We can relate this shadowing effect to the scene where Kay (Michael's wife) asks him if he killed his sister Connie's husband. ... He goes from a respectable war hero, to a cold blooded murderer, to head of the mafia family. ... The Godfather, set the standard for all gangster movies that followed it. ...
You don't offer friendship. ... However, he also dislikes that Bonasera is not referring to him as Godfather, his official Mafia position. ... More business is conducted in the Godfather's office, as he grants Nazorine a favor. ... Apparently, Johnny was having contract troubles, so Don Corleone made the record company "an offer [they] couldn't refuse-, by having Luca Brazi put a gun to the manager's head and forcing him to sign the paper. ... He wants a part in a movie, but the producer refuses to allow him to play the role. ...
The Godfather The Godfather, by Mario Puzzo, is a great book that brings back the feudal system of the Mafiosi. ... The godfather is made into a god when he acts in the name or his people, "the manner in which the guilty are humbled, in blood-soaked beds, seems somewhat scriptural, as if the godfather were omniscient as well as all-powerful"(Clarens, 278). ... "I"ll make him an offer he won't refuse" basically says do as I say or you will die. ... He was not as ruthless as some of the other men but still did what he had to do to be successful. I feel that the Godfather is a great all...
Wilson also proves that The Godfather highlights human's own values. ... And to a gangster, he can still respect his values, but he must not be passive because passivity is killing himself. ... He used to refuse to be his father's obeyed son and ran away from home (Puzo). ... And I suppose that faith does not mean little in The Godfather. ... The Godfather is really one of best novels about crime. ...
At first glance, the novel The Godfather and the movie The Godfather appear quite different. ... Some examples of this were why was Luca in Sollozo's club at such a bad time but from the book you knew he had careful inspected the club for sometime and was taken by surprise. Also, I felt the movie did not give a lot of reason why Carlo beat Connie, but from the book you knew he was upset he wasn"t given one of the Don's homes or any of the family fortune. Third, I felt the movie did not really explain why Paulie had set up the Don or been killed for it, but from reading you know h...
His power is challenged when The Don refuses to enter into the business of narcotics with the Tattaglias, another family. ... This is partly why he is respected by everyone and has earned the right to be called the Godfather. ... An example of this was his decline of the offer to join in the importation of narcotics even if it would have brought him a great deal of money. ... Michael Corleone : Michael Corleone is the Dons youngest son, and is the Dons only child that refuses his direction. ... Tom went to college and law school, and after three years of practice was offered a job in th...
One of the "Movie Brats", he had not made a successful film in seven years. Paramount studio wanted to make "The Godfather" as cheaply and efficient as possible. Therefore, they hired Coppola who was not employed at the time and he had a wife and children to support, he had nothing to loose. ... "The Godfather" was the top- grossing film of 1972. ... The "Don", (Marlon Brando) is shot while purchasing oranges from a stall and he is killed while one is in his mouth. ...
Leadership in the Godfather "Leadership Analysis- In this paper I will attempt to compare the leadership traits and styles of the leading character in both the movies of the Godfather and Becket. ... In the film the Godfather Marlon Brando plays the character Vito Corleone, a charismatic well respected head of a mafia organization called the called the family. ... Where at he climax the friendship is tested and ends in tragedy as Becket grows more confident and thoughtful in his position. ... Corleone appeared to be the sole decision maker always issues orders, establishing rules and...
Understanding Communication within the Godfather Francis Coppola's timeless classic, the Godfather, illustrates many different types of communication. ... The Corleone family must narcotics dealers trying to use their family for the sale of their drugs, and by refusing to sell their drugs, the family almost falls from its seat in power. ... Once he approaches the Don, he begins to stutter and sweat. ... Coppola's use of different kinds of communication make the Godfather a very strong film. ... He throws away his regular life and his morals to save the people he loves and res...
