The Godfather Film: Mise-en-scène and Techniques

 

The Godfather is a crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola (1972). The screenplay is by Coppola and Mario Puzo. The first two parts form the most celebrated films, and many viewers consider the second part equal to or more advanced than the first part. However, the first part achieved tremendous success in the film market (Phillips, 2007). It also constitutes one of the interesting films of the time. The Godfather is a film that contributed to American resurgence in the film industry, after years of competition. The Godfather stars Marlon Brando, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, among others, and features Abe Vigoda, John Cazale, and Talia Shire. The story in the film spans a period of ten years from 1945 to 1955 and shows the experiences of a family in crime in New York City during the mid-1940s. The Godfather is a very thought-provoking study of social issues such as justice, corruption, violence, power, honor, and obligation in America.

Through the plot of the film, the director uses several elements to assist viewers in understanding the story, and the development of the actors’ relationship. Coppola provides and exemplifies expressionistic studio film and portrays various cinematic aspects that contribute to the development of the characters’ traits and roles as a guide to the story’s rollercoaster (Phillips, 2007). The director uses light to help in figuring out the development and self-discovery of the advancements made by the characters chronologically from the beginning to the end of the story; hence, enhancing the viewers’ ability to understand the plot. Coppola uses the cinematic element of lighting and framing to guide the viewers to understand the film by developing angles, as well as other photographic techniques (Phillips, 2007).