Guidebook For Mafia Films : The Godfather

Adapting books into screenplays is no ordinary feat for any director who is willing to undertake such an ambitious task. The fate of the film lies upon several factors which are taken into consideration such as finalizations of the script, deciding which parts of the book would play out in the film, casting of suitable actors who would fit the bill etc.

A film that rose to the challenge was the 1972, The Godfather with its lasting legacy still shining bright till today. A depiction of familial ties, loyalty, trust, betrayal and love amidst a world foreign to us has won it various accolades and praises. The impact it had on American cinema is visible as it still finds itself ingrained in the minds of people.

With Francis Ford Coppola at its helm and an ensemble cast of Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall and John Cazale to name some, The Godfather laid the groundwork for the numerous mafia centric films that were sure to follow suit.

In the beginning of the film we are introduced to Vito Corleone (Brando), the Godfather and head of the Corleone family. He is flanked by his eldest son Santino aka Sonny (Caan), Fredo – the middle child (Cazale), Tom Hagen – family lawyer/consigliere and Vito’s unofficial adopted son amongst few others. Michael (Pacino) the youngest of the lot has no inclination towards the family dealings but is thrust into it when tragedy comes knocking at their doorstep. This one of a kind coming of age mafia centric film essentially chronicles Michael’s journey as he accepts the darkness that lay dormant within him.

The film delves into the inner workings of the organized crime consortium and the sacrifices one must undertake in order to be the last man standing. Al Pacino’s portrayal of Michael is one that shines through. We cannot imagine any other actor being able to fill his shoes and depict the transformation of a rational reluctant man not wanting to be associated with the family business to a calculative authoritative figure who does not bow to anyone.

Marlon Brando proves yet again that his dedication to each character he plays is unbeatable. A striking instance of this is when he fitted himself with custom made dental appliance to achieve the trademark slurring of words we hear during his dialogues. One cannot forget Cann, Duvall and Cazale’s depiction of their characters as each of their choices in some way aided Michael for his own or proved to be a catalyst for the decisions that were taken by him.

The iconic ‘Blood Baptism’ sequence that plays out is one where we see a perfect juxtaposition between faith and religion with crime. Michael’s each answer behind the closed doors of the church reverberates in the outside world through that of bullets. He finally cements himself as the Godfather within the confines of the house and the crime world.

Music, an integral part of the storyline carried the narrative forward. During the restaurant scene the music grows louder with each passing minute and ends only to be followed by a gentle melody when Michael is successful in his killings, his first tentative steps into a world of no return.

Not only did the film serve as a stimulus for relative newcomers in the cast and crew but also revived Brando’s declining career thus allowing him to remind the audience and filmmakers of his acting prowess. The Godfather – a film that astounded the masses on its release and continues to do so has left an indelible mark in American cinematic history and continues to remain a benchmark for any gangster film that decides to follow its footsteps.