The film “The Godfather” by Francis Ford Coppola is an epic film based on the novel “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo. It is considered a masterpiece of art and was used as a model for the development of other "gangster" films. This film series served as a model for later mob films like Goodfellas and television series like The Sopranos. It elevated the gangster/mobster movie from an ordinary good guys versus bad guys storyline to a kind of complex, layered epic that seems to whisper of long-ago times when emperors and kings ruled. Coppola takes us back to a time when groups of gangsters controlled some of the largest cities in the United States, setting up shop and putting down roots in New York and Chicago. It also talks about the atrocities that these mafia groups regularly committed in order to secure and maintain their influence and gain ultimate power in the societies in which they formed and grew. The film's director, Francis Ford Coppola, received numerous awards for his heartfelt and realistic portrayal of the "gangster" character in the film. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the many aesthetic cinematic feats attributed to the film “The Godfather”. Specifically, it will focus on cinematography, lighting techniques, editing style, sound, camera techniques, character portrayal and unifying theme, with the aim of further enhancing our understanding of depth of the film and to develop and appreciate its unique filming techniques. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get original essay The Godfather is a family drama - it's not just about a mafia 'family', but real-life family structure , the Corleones. We see how their conflicts and struggles play out: which brother will succeed the patriarch when he dies, how they will run the family affairs, how their marriages and relationships are maintained or destroyed, and ultimately the choices each character makes. made to stay in the “family” circle. The Godfather is a gangster film because, obviously, gangsters. But it's not just about people on the street trying to achieve the American dream. The Godfather gives us insight into the Mafia as an illicit business enterprise, intertwined with the fabric and history of America itself, and subtly commenting on the dark side of the American dream; the pure struggle of immigrants in a nation of immigrants, all seeking the promise of a better life. The Godfather is about the immigrant experience – although it is not an accurate representation of the Italian-American experience, as the vast majority of Italian-Americans were not connected to the mafia ( a negative stereotype). Yet story arcs that don't involve murder or other organized crime touch on broader themes of struggling to find a foothold in a new country and climbing the ladder of family and society. society to build the legacy that every man, or at least that the men of this era dream of. "The Godfather", is a term for a Mafia Don (coined by Mario Puzo) and a symbol. The Godfather is a total authority, a leader, a head of the family, a king. This is not a democracy, but a monarchy, with one king to rule them all, and the intrigues and rebellions that entails. The Godfather is about a man, Vito Corleone; a man who dreams of a prosperous future, building an empire from scratch, then maintaining that position and figurehead status for one of his sons to take his place. You can take thetitle to refer to Michael (the son) or Vito (the father): Michael ascends the throne, while Vito gradually passes from leadership. The meaning of the film's title, and what or who it represents, also evolves. Vito is a quirky, classic Don, reluctant to sell drugs or get involved in the more nefarious aspects of a criminal enterprise. Michael recognizes that he must use an elaborate method of wickedness to get ahead and stay one step ahead of his enemies and competitors. At the same time, the Godfather, in all his facets and roles, is not just a normal criminal: he is a figurehead and a foundation that attempts to preserve an antiquated idea of ​​tradition and order within the constructions of a constantly evolving society. The film The Godfather chronicles the successes and failures of this attempt and the evolution of the classic crime family. Although people generally do not murder business competitors, unruly family members, or personal enemies, many people struggle to maintain generational and family traditions and keep the past alive in modern America constantly evolving and growing. The Godfather II would make this theme even more evident, depicting Vito's trials and difficulties as a young immigrant. What Coppola attempted and, by all accounts, achieved, in all aspects of cinematic depictions, fluidity and cinematography, was a sense of authenticity at a time when that seemed excessive or exaggerated. He has expertly recreated a classic Hollywood ambience – a true-to-life recreation of a world of intrigue and excess and its complex and often tense relationships. Throughout the film, a certain understatement in the depiction of the characters corresponds to the discreet exercise of Coppola's influence in its direction. From the tight and fast control of the camera to the demanding and sometimes brutal scriptwriting, Coppola delivers a wealth of deeply emotional material. For example, at the moment of Vito's death, Coppola cuts to a more distant shot. The camera focuses on the tomato garden, in which Vito's body is located. The image of Vito lying on the ground, the foundation of the garden denoting Vito's role as the foundation of his family and his empire. He devoted himself entirely to the survival and success of his legacy: his family and his business. There is an inherent understanding that even when depicting his death, this single scene also serves as a testimony and illustration of his life. Vito worked, sacrificed, celebrated and cried, all while tending to his garden. By planting, cultivating, and meticulously caring for the seeds he planted long before laying the foundation not only for his generation, but those that come after him. Coppola reminds his viewers, when they hear the wind blowing and the birds chirping, that despite the darkness and violence, this is the circle of life. The cycle is complete. Additionally, the precise lighting effects, or low light effects to be exact, are a credit to the talent and expertise of cinematographer Gordon Willis. This technique, with its dramatic use of darkness and shadow, creates a carefully controlled or measured mood that informs even the least expected viewer of the depth and seriousness of the events unfolding before them. It is this consistency of tone and expectation that unites each film into a unified saga. Coppola made “The Godfather” at a time when authenticity and depth were in high demand by critics and the average moviegoer. The breakdown of traditional Hollywood norms and conventions, although,.