Noting the key features of narrative in The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972), accepted by many as the greatest movie ever made, has a very rich and complex narrative. Below are some notes on its key features:
- One of the key features of this narrative is that a reasonably marginal character during the first half of the film (Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone) becomes the main protagonist at the end. This could be done to show how quickly (and even with minimal intention) the mafia underworld can suck anyone in and change and manipulate them.
- Another important feature of the narrative is the constant introduction and then the deaths of many characters, portraying the brutal and merciless nature of the mafia underworld.
- The narrative stretches over a long period of time, ensuring that the viewer appreciates the seriousness of the business and the impossibility of getting out once you’re in.
- The injury and near-death of Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) prompts all-out warfare in the streets and confusion amongst the Corleone family, this is represented in the narrative by the absence of a protagonist, causing confusion to the viewer as he or she must now look for a new protagonist to relate to.
- One of the key features of this narrative is that a reasonably marginal character during the first half of the film (Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone) becomes the main protagonist at the end. This could be done to show how quickly (and even with minimal intention) the mafia underworld can suck anyone in and change and manipulate them.
- Another important feature of the narrative is the constant introduction and then the deaths of many characters, portraying the brutal and merciless nature of the mafia underworld.
- The narrative stretches over a long period of time, ensuring that the viewer appreciates the seriousness of the business and the impossibility of getting out once you’re in.
- The injury and near-death of Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) prompts all-out warfare in the streets and confusion amongst the Corleone family, this is represented in the narrative by the absence of a protagonist, causing confusion to the viewer as he or she must now look for a new protagonist to relate to.
Marlon Brando (right) in The Godfather
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