Main Task - Textual Analysis - The Godfather

Representation of ‘Respect’ in The Godfather:

The Godfather is a classical mafia/gangster film, inspired by Mario puzo’s The Godfather novel. It is based on a powerful Italian family, involved in gambling, however on the side murder people for favors. Don Corleone being the head of the family, calls all the decisions within the family, and no one interferes, which is a strong representation of respect. Out of respect, the majority of his friends ask him for favors. In the opening of the The godfather, it cuts to the production label in white, a traditional mafia film. The scene fades into a close up shot of a man talking. The sound is all non-diagetic, suggesting this will be a long conversation, further suggesting that what they are saying is significant for the audience.

    The camera slowly zooms out to an over the shoulder shot of the godfather, with him sitting in a confident stance, suggesting that Don Corleone (godfather) is of high status. The room is of low ambiance, to emphasise the dark nature, further suggesting the idea that Godfather is a man to be taken seriously. The man asking for a favor (Bonesara) talks to Don Corleone with a slight tone of disrespect, which he is unused to as he is treated with respect, emphasising his status. The camera now cuts to a semi-close up shot of Don Corleone showing perhaps his disgust or surprise that he has been treated with such disrespect. In the same scene, Vito is sitting down in his seat while Bonesara is standing up, portraying respect towards him.

      Vito Corleone is wearing a very smart and traditional suit, suggesting that his daughter is getting married, as are his sons and consilgiere (advisor). This shows how their corleone family is a well respected family with high status. Don Corleone tells Bonesara that he does not even think to call him Godfather, as this is a sacred relationship with two people in Italian culture. The camera cuts to a tracking shot of Don Corleone walking towards Bonesara, telling him to offer friendship. The tracking shot of godfather is shown to emphasise his respect in front of his family.

Bonesara kisses Don Corleone’s hand and accepts the friendship all in a high angle shot in the Dons perspective. This suggests how the Godfather is highly influential and respected. Godfather informs Bonesara that whoever his enemies are, are also now his enemies. The opening scene portrays a kit if suggestive aspects of status and respect that Godfather has.