Final Film Critique

- 1 - [no notes on this page]Running head: SOCIETY AND CLASS 1 Society and Class in The Godfather Reginald Whimbush ENG225: Introduction to Film Dr. RobertsonENG225: Introduction to Film January 8, 2017 - 2 - 1 2 3 4 1. society and class These are topics of the film rather than a theme. What does the film say about society and class? [Allison Robertson] 2. cinematography, lighting, direction, costuming, and set design.

Great work pointing out the elements of film you will discuss in your essay.

[Allison Robertson] 3. Social status and class What does the film say about these topics? What details can you add to help the reader understand your point? [Allison Robertson] 4. wedding.

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[Allison Robertson] SOCIETY AND CLASS 2 Society and Class in The Godfather The film The Godfather (1972) produced by Albert Ruddy and directed by Francis Ford Coppola is a crime drama movie that was created based on a similarly named best-selling novel by Mario Puzo. The story in the film is centered on a fictional crime mafia in New York City between 1945 and 1955. One of the main themes in this movie is the effects society and class as depicted in the Corleone family whose head, Vito Corleone, is initially the mafia’s leaders (The Godfather). The theme of society and class is emphasized in the film using various design elements and techniques such as the cinematography, lighting, direction, costuming, and set design.

Social status and class have been emphasized from the beginning of the film when Amerigo Bonasera visits Vito Corleone in a bid to get some help in attaining “justice” for his daughter who had been assaulted by American men who were reported but later released. Bonasera felt that the men did not get the justice they deserved hence he needed Don Corleone to kill them. However, Don did not support his idea because his daughter was not dead. In spite of his wishes not being granted, Bonasera was not in any way hostile towards Vito Corleone. Instead of being angry, he shows a lot of respect and even proceeds to bow and refer to Vito Corleone as “The Godfather” as he had earlier requested. The camera is specifically focused on the man’s face to show his reaction to Mr. Corleone’s response to his request. His expression depicted that the man was content with Mr. Corleone’s decision even though it is not what he wanted. The camera focus on Amerigo Bonasera’s reaction to Vito Corleone emphasizes Mr. Corleone’s authority and status in the society. His decision is always considered to be right and always obeyed ( Benshoff, & Griffin, 2011, p. 26) . However, Vito Corleone later approved his request and asked him to consider the “justice” a gift for his daughter’s wedding. - 3 - 1 1. “I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home on the wedding day of your daughter.” Excellent supporting example, Reginald! [Allison Robertson] SOCIETY AND CLASS 3 A similar cinematography technique is used when Luca Brasi publicly shows how grateful he is to have been invited to Vito Corleone’s daughter’s wedding. Luca Brasi had no home and was taken in by Vito Corleone. He does not believe that a man such as him would be invited to a wedding hosted by such a prestigious family. The film’s sound is specifically focused on the Luca Brasi’s chant about how grateful he is that he is one of the guests at the wedding. Although Brasi is chanting in the background as the other guests proceed with their affairs at the wedding, the film’s sound focuses on his voice as he repeats the sentence, “I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home on the wedding day of your daughter.” Additionally, Brasi is clearly shown sitting alone, away from all the other guests. This scene shows the clear difference between the social status of the rich and the poor as the poor do not expect to be in the same social gatherings as the rich ( LoBrutto, 2004) .

The society and class theme is also depicted in the costuming of the characters. There is a clear difference between the dressing style of those with money and those without. Dark colored suits have been used as a symbol of social status. During the meetings of the mafia, the members dress in expensive-looking dark colored suits. This dress code among the people of higher status is also seen during the wedding scene. All the men in this wedding are dressed in dark colored suits with ties because this was an event happening at the house of a respectable family hence they had to show up dressed in a manner that befits their social status ( Utami, 2010) . The film’s costume design is a clear depiction that the characters respect social class.

In conclusion, The Godfather shows the viewers the extent to which crime can go when controlled by powerful people with political connections. Throughout the film, one can clearly see the theme of society and class as it has been depicted in various scenes throughout the movie. The film’s cinematography puts a lot of camera focus on the character’s facial expressions to - 4 - [no notes on this page]SOCIETY AND CLASS 4 give the viewer the chance to understand their feelings towards social status. This technique helps the viewer to understand the level of respect that the film’s characters have towards the people of higher status. There is also special focus on the sound to help the viewer hear the remarks of the characters that depict the differences between social statuses. The costumes of the characters have also been used to show social and class differences. The upper class people are seen to dress in expensive suits and dresses. These examples clearly show how the issue of social status is important in the film. - 5 - [no notes on this page]SOCIETY AND CLASS 5 References Benshoff, H. M., & Griffin, S. (2011). America on film: Representing race, class, gender, and sexuality at the movies . John Wiley & Sons.

Coppola, F. F. (1972). The godfather [film]. FF Coppola (Producer). USA: Paramount Pictures . Retrieved from: http://www.watchfree.to/watch-a9-The-Godfather-movie-online-free- putlocker.html LoBrutto, V. (2004). Making Pictures: A Century of European Cinematography.

Utami, D. (2010). Struggle for a better life in Mario Puzo’s the godfather movie version: an individual psychological approach (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta).