The Godfather: Coppola’s Mise-en-Scene

Francis Ford Coppola is the director of the popular film The Godfather. The movie demonstrates a number of expertise filming techniques which are effective in enhancing the features as well as emphasizing the film’s movie apprehension. Based on the uniqueness of the film’s art it has been utilized as the primary template for creating a number of films. The film leads its viewers back to the period when major towns both in Italy and America were been controlled by mafia groups. It offers a detailed reminder of what those in domination would do in the quest of maintaining their influence. The objective of this paper is to conduct an aesthetic analysis of the film The Godfather to create a better understanding and appreciation of the customized filming techniques it has utilized. Without a doubt, Coppola’s accurate Mise-en-scene is demonstrated throughout the movie.

The first scene of the film starts with a clear yet low lighting which is demonstrated with slow zooming as the man pleads for assistance on his retaliation. The low lighting technique creates a dark nature which signifies the mysterious atmosphere within the scene. This technique is effective is its representation of a desperate and frightened plea. The zooming out of the man’s close up is an assertion of the unviewed which creates insights that a significant thing might arise. For the first scene, the shot has been conducted in Corleone Don’s view so that he would be classified as the leader of the ring. This is accomplished via zooming the close-up shot where Corleone listen to a whispered plea that claims ‘’ I want them dead and in his response, a close up is presented to the viewers as the state ‘’ I cannot do it… that is not just. Your daughter is still alive’’ (Coppola 6:44). The close-up response offered the prove that mafia’s  also held their own morals as well as values and from the angle of the scene this creates a feeling to the viewer’s where they feel incorporated and can feel what the characters are experiencing.

Light in the film has been utilized in a reduced degree as most of its scenes are presented in darkness. The technique generates a customized visual as well as an artistic brand. Coppola’s lighting changes from a scene to another which permits the views to create a better interpretation of the characters emotions in specific scenes. However, although the first scenes atmosphere appeared dark and full of mystery while revealing revenge, secrecy and organized crime the scene that follows was contradictory. The scene is characterized by highlighting as it offers bright lighting as well as passionate vibe the scene offers an introduction of a shot taken from a high angle in the overwhelming surrounding of Corleone’s daughter wedding. While showing the attendance by friends and family the scene utilizes medium shots. In this scene, Coppola’s Mise-en-scene for the particular scenes are excellent in that it demonstrates the innermost contrast of Corleone’s double life which is being mafia’s leader and a family man.

The film’s lighting, as well as angles, is important since it provides the audience with differing insights as well as updates of the story’s plot as well as offering updates of the rapid changes occurring in the lives of the characters. The two scenes that demonstrated low lighting that is accompanied by dark background are the first and the last. The first scene shows Corleone within the dark backgrounds that holds reduced lighting beam that originates from the window and this shows and demonstrates the significance of being mafia’s leader. On the other hand in the last scene, Michael Corleone stands at his dad’s workplace taking his father’s role. This scene, therefore, conforms to the commencement scene as Michael gets into the darkness as if he was his father. From this lighting, it is apparent that the intention of the director was to portray Michael being the successor who was to lead mafia, business, and family. In support of this is when Michael met with Tom in the previous scene and when Don tries to explain why Tom is no longer part of them Michael pulls a trigger and state ‘’ You are out, Tom’’ (Coppola 33:02) this demonstrates that he is in control and holds the authority unlike Don who is compassion and the angle switches and focuses on Michael’s authoritative response which depicts no care.

An additional mise-en-scene is based on the film’s costume choice which can tell stories. The dressing in black ties and suits depicts a connection amid being a mafia business and family leader by Corleone. In the opening, Corleone and his followers are presented in suits and ties while for Michael Corleone he appears in military clothing. However, the presentation changes after the shooting of Don and Michael takes charge. Lastly, the film’s soundtrack was the cherry on top finishing. This consisted of sounds and traditional strings acquired from trumpet and mandolin the soundtrack created promotion of an Italian authentic mafia feel for the viewers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Francis Ford Coppola. The Godfather. Paramount Pictures, 1972.

University, Columbia. “Columbia Film Language Glossary.” Columbia Film Language Glossary: Terms. Web. 11 Mar. 2017