The Godfather-Film Review

*spoiler alert.
In viewing The Godfather, there are many aspects of creating this film that involved Mise en scene. The lighting throughout the film represents the dark side of the “gangster life,” especially because the eyes of characters were mostly shadows and the costumes were always dark suits. Lighting plays a huge role in this film, specifically when used in scenes which create the “villain” in each of the characters in the Corleone family. The entire film was overall dark and gloomy. There was so many people in the Corleone family I had to keep going back to review the character sheet that was given out in class to remember who was who and which person died at this moment and who killed who and why. I never understand why all the killing was necessary, and why there were so many families involved with each other and why they all were enemies. I never grasped the main point of why everything was so murderous and how certain families were more powerful than others. All I really got out of this film was not to marry an Italian man who never tells you about his “business” and wears a black suit, because you might end up being blown up in a car. Always be honest to your spouse! Everyone was evil in this film; I couldn’t decide who was right from wrong, because in the end, all the important people died anyways.
I was able to follow the Al Pacino’s character (Michael Corleone), because at first he was not all about going into the family business, but in the end, it turns out to become the next godfather and is just as bad as his father, maybe even worse! There were so many unethical things that happened in this movie, but I guess that’s what makes it so interesting and messed up. The props in this movie were a huge part, especially when Michael kills those two men at the restaurant. It signifies Michael’s start in the family business. The costumes were important as well because it represented the dark and realistic aspect of being a mob family. They are all about the color black: black cars, black guns, and black suits; there was barely any color. The only color difference I saw was the brightness in the dresses of the wives at weddings; which was the only delightful experience in the film. These kinds of movies (dark, mobster, films) are the kinds of movies I need to see a few times till I get the full comprehension. I’m the type of person you want to punch in the face during a movie because I ask too many questions! I’ve realized that I do that for a reason because at the end of movies I don’t understand; my reactions are confused and scattered. If you’re like me, I’d recommend watching this film with someone who has already seen it plenty of times so they can walk you through it.