The Godfather: An American Dream Story

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The Godfather: An American Dream Story

The Godfather is the “dark-side of the American dream story” (Turan, pp2). The film follows the practices of a fictional Italian mafia family, the Corleone’s. Though most Americans do not condone the practices of the Italian mafia, they cannot deny that Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece. This film gave insight to a mysterious way of life that the average person does not have knowledge of. As the audience is educated about the mafia they also are introduced to many stereotypes.

Many of the film’s important scenes begin with one key character, Don Vito Corleone and the word “Godfather…” The setting is very dark as the film opens and a man is asking for the Godfather’s help. Though the Don is not happy about the request he grants it, letting the man know that when the time comes he will have to do him a service as well. As the movie continues the audience is shown that it is a very special day; it is Connie Corleone, the Godfather’s daughter’s wedding day. This is an important factor in understanding why Corleone has granted this request, because of the tradition that “no Sicilian can refuse anyone’s request on his daughter’s wedding day.” With this line comes the insight that the family and the culture find old world tradition very important. Throughout the movie several people come to Vito Corleone asking for favors and services to be rendered.

As the Godfather is commissioning work his daughter’s wedding continues on outside the house. This scene is extremely important to the movie, explaining the family’s background and also the group’s cultural background. Throughout this scene they introduce the audience to all of the characters ...

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... educated the average person. The Mafia, as depicted by the Corleone family, is very close knit; those that are not even actual family members are still considered part of the “family.” This movie can be watched repeatedly and each time is as enjoyable as the first. It is a cultural eye opener and lead to two sequels and several other media items, such as today’s television drama The Soprano’s. Though the world does not condone what this lifestyle is about it will always be interested, and somewhat glorify the traditions and lifestyle of something so secretive and just plain bad.

Works Cited

Turan, Kenneth. “Tale of The Godfather is Epic in Itself.” Los Angeles Times 21 Mar. 1997.

http://www.filmsite.org/godf.html

http://www.mobposters.com/godfather.shtml

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