The Godfather: Analysis of a Movie Classic

What makes a movie a "classic"? Is it a powerful story, brilliant direction, and strong acting performances? Or is it the interweaving of these key elements, plus something more?

Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather epitomizes a classic movie. It was the top-grossing film of 1972 and went on to become the top-selling video of 1980, the first year that Billboard published its top-seller's list (Thompson 7). It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won three. Its legacy lives on in subsequent mob-genre movies as well as in the recent hit TV show The Sopranos (Nochimson). Imitations of its most memorable character, Mafia family head Don Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, can be found throughout popular American culture and the phrase, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," has become a part of classic American film-speak. The Godfather can thus be considered a movie classic; in studying it, one begins to discern the creative forces that contribute to power and long-lasting legacy in any film, or, for that manner, any endeavor.

Upon analyzing the film's production history, sociologic context, and composition, four key elements emerge as central to its success. They are 1) monetary motivation, 2) creative passion, 3) mastery of subject matter, and 4) brilliant craftsmanship. An examination of The Godfather from multiple perspectives reveals how these abstract elements led tn the creation of a legendary work of cinematograph

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y balanced and a tribute to Coppola's excellent direction. In identifying with Mich'l, will the audienbe come to approve or disapprove of the-ends-justifies-the-means workings of a Mafia organization? This question and the realistic portrayals of good and evil residing intertwined within any particular human being is key to holding the audience's attention over the long (almost three-hour) progression of the movie (The Godfather). Over the next several scenes, new characters and story details are introduced and the audience witnesses a bloody threat to an adversary and two killings at the hands of Corleone's operation. The threat and killings are notable for being realistic yet tactful when contrasted to the gratuitous violence seen in many latter-era movies and TV shows. Another potent element of the Threat Scene is the delicate portrayal of the protector-character Tom Hagan. This part of the movie centers on the movie magnate Jack Waltz, who refuses to give a coveted part in a film to the Don's godson, actor Johnny Fontane. The Don has dispatched Hagan, his lawyer and intimate advisor, or Consigliere, to convince Waltz to give Fontane the part. Upon meeting with Waltz, Hagan gives a soft-spoken yet strong reproach, implying th

Category: Film - T