The TRUE depth of the Godfather

Rating: Null/10 (15 November 2004)

The Godfather is the pinnacle of American Mafia in Hollywood cinematics. Besides the more than obvious storyboard of this trilogy, the godfather is filled with references to the roots of the Mafia as a criminal organisation. The opening scene of the trilogy is a beautiful display of limbo lighting and chiaroscuro effect where our attention is focused on Bounasera and Don Vito Corleone. Through the opening conversations we begin to understand the mafia's role in society; to intervene and arrange the clockwork of society when the governmental institutions have failed. We see that the underworld is a male- orientated place. There is an obvious division between work and family which is echoed through the partition between the dark and gloomy office and the bright colourful and chaotic festivities outside. Strangely enough aesthetic perfection is present in the darker realm of Don Vito's office. This hints at the suggestion that the Mafia is merely the evolution of human necessity to arrange what the judicial services can't. Throughout the films we see the Mafia is a family centric 'Business' which revolves around the paterfamilias, i.e. the head of the family. Whatever he sees just and right, all his family follow his wishes, even if they don't agree. If they don't they are aware they will suffer the consequences. The family structure is also present from the Don ,il capo to the consiglieri and further down to the henchmen. There is also a clear picture of inter winding network between the families. In the end it is obvious that when the family tries to legitimize itself it finds great difficult since the Mafia is a cycle; you enter by blood and you part by blood. The Mafia will always be present in American and Italian Society, the only question is how much shall there presence be felt?