We decided to do an in-depth study of the renowned director Francis Ford Coppola. The movies we have chosen to study include all three Godfather movies and Apocalypse Now.
Anyways, on with the analysis or something. I'll start with an analysis of the opening chunk. This scene expertly defines the main characters in a very clear-cut manner. The movie opens on the day of Vito Corleone’s daughter’s wedding; It’s Sicilian tradition for the father of the bride to agree to any and all favors to anybody who asks… as long as they kiss up to him in the process. The opening minute or so deals with a specific problem from a man named Bonasera, and the only way the Godfather is even willing to offer his support, he makes Bonasera kiss his hand and beg for his assistance. This clearly defines the main leader already – a rigid, egocentric, powerful man with apparent attitude. As the party goes on, the Don goes on granting several more requests, until he reaches the last one – Famous actor Johnny Fontane. Johnny wants to have the lead role in an upcoming movie, but the director of the movie (Mr. Woltz) refuses to give it to him.
Vito Corleone turns to Tom Hagen, a pro, standing in another part of the room and asks him to take care of the problem that night. When Tom arrives to Mr. Woltz’s studio, he attempts to smooth-talk Woltz into promoting Johnny to the lead role, and even threatens Woltz with possible bad outcomes if he didn’t cooperate. Eventually, Woltz is informed that Tom works for Mistuh Corleone, and invites Tom to his elegant estate, showing him his over 9000 prized horses before wondering what’s for dinner, and apologetically explain that Johnny is basically a failure. Tom immediately excuses himself from the table, claiming that the Don likes to hear bad news immediately, and somehow severs the prized horse’s head and sneaks it into Woltz’s bed without awakening the grumpy old man. Woltz awakens confused and screaming, and it made me lol.
Basically, Coppola develops the characters relatively quickly and does a very nice job. He makes it clear-cut that the Godfather is not somebody to mess around with, much less refuse to cooperate with. It’s also very clear that he’s got cronies that are willing to do anything to maintain the Don’s excellent reputation.
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9 comments:
Hi. I agree completely or something. In the spirit of discussion, I disagree how the opening scene "expertly defines the main characters in a very clear-cut manner." I left that sequence extremely confused and was not very familiar with who was who. He introduces a lot of characters very quickly and I was yeah. I found it pretty funny though how he requires everyone to hail him as a god before helping them (the kissing up and begging).
Well I would have to disagree with you jared i think andeh had it right with the characters being established. And as for the begging for a favor and demanding respect the mob usually does follow a hierarchy of command and failing to pay proper respect can result in harsh conswqueincies and even insulting someone who has ties to the godfather can cause some serious backlash as mr.woltz or whatever his name was experienced first hand
I don't know about you guys but I was a little confused about that horse head in Woltz's bed. My thought is that the horse head in the bed was kind of symbolic. I feel that is was kind of like a warning for Woltz that he should probably be a little more careful about who he decides to mess with or refuse certain roles to, as was mentioned in the original post, and that he might end up that way as well. Most likely Woltz would tread more cafefully from now on. What were your thoughts about this, did you think that is was symbolic in any way?
Well I could get how the head may act as a warning but i'm not sure exactly how symbolic it could be.
I thought that sound played a big role in the film. The opening music to the movie is really cool it really makes you feel like you are back in that era. Then the music stops and there is no music when Don Corleone and Bonasera are talking. I think it makes the situation seem more tense and you can feel the tension in the air are discussing amongst themselves and you hear nothing but them talking. I thought it also helped the movie in the long run. It really creates alot of suspense during certain parts in the film and I felt that music didn't distract the audience when it was going but helped to keep everything flowing thoughout the film and make it more enjoyable.
Hello, I'm glad to see you all are putting such great enthusiasm into commenting on my blog! As for the discussion, I must disagree with you guys. I know I am right, so anybody who disagrees with me can D.I.A.F. Thank you for your cooperation.
Yeah, I agree completely Andeh. Will, your second comment was enlightening and is one of the most knowledgeable and in general kept the framework of our discussion strong.
Peter, your comment made absolutely no sense. You definately did not have any adequate supporting examples or a strong arguement. I expect more high quality comments from you, such as Will's second comment, in the future.
Peter, your description about the use of sound was astounding! Very impressive! I thought the very same thing! In addition, I did not think the sound was all that impressive.
Jared, the way you expanded on Peter and Will's comments was also very impressive! This is by far one of the best discussions I have ever been able to participate in! Please continue to comment with such divine eloquence in the future!
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