Slide 1

Higher English Opening Sequence Slide 2 Soundtrack Blank screen causes us to focus purely on the soundtrack Solitary jazz trumpet = Godfather theme Signifies isolation of mafia Don who doesnt know who to trust Melancholy tone heightens sense of loneliness Slide 3 Puppet Symbolism Puppet strings symbolise control, power and deception Father = head of family Hierarchy of Italian mafia Bold contrast of black and white Slide 4 Opening Lines I believe in America Immediate introduction of American Dream an illusion (at least to immigrant population) We focus on Bonaseras slow paced monologue No soundtrack now Slide 5 Bonasera Americas made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in American fashion. I gave her freedom and I taught her never to dishonour my family. Italian tradition vs. America values Honour = central to Italian community Slide 6 Bonasera His monologue introduces all the central concerns: Justice Violence Crime Corruption Honour Family American Dream etc. Slide 7 Bonasera not an Italian Italian tradition vs. America values Disdain for those outside the community Bonasera was willing to adopt American customs his daughter has freedom to go on unchaperoned date. As a consequence she has suffered a violent assault and has been left maimed Raises important point about violence and danger in American society By contrast Corleone family retain Sicilian traditions Slide 8 Bonasera For justice we must go to Corleone. Italian tradition vs. America values & Justice Contradiction to opening statement No longer believes in American dream/justice Bonasera must reject and turn away from American values to ask for help Questions effectiveness of American courts in dealing with violence against immigrant community Gives insight into what the Italian community think of Corleone someone who fixes things Slide 9 Bonasera Why did you go to the police? Why didnt you come to me first? Italian tradition vs. America values & Justice Vitos opening line immediately highlights corruption and his role as Don Questions Bonaseras loyalty and respect Mafia culture has separate set of values from American Slide 10 Justice Challenges perceptions of justice Misdemeanours should be repaid in kind: Old Testament eye for and eye, tooth for a tooth definition Bonasera whispers request highlighting secrecy and crime Sets up template for the film: illegal activity done in shadows Thats not justice your daughter is still alive. Offers money Vito ignores this and turns his back; he wants loyalty as payment Were not murderers Slide 11 Justice Bonasera offers loyalty in exchange for violence Kisses Don respectful symbol of hierarchy cementing his rejection of American culture in turn for Italian justice/community Dialogue from film poster: Someday, and that day may never come. Ill call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, accept this as a gift on my daughters wedding day. Cannot refuse a request on this day Italian tradition Bonasera subservient Slide 12 Mise-en-scene Low key, dim lighting casting shadows creates enigmatic sense of dangerous Clandestine atmosphere of secrecy creates tension Cat stroking cat shows comfort and control in this role. Cats are cunning, symbolic of his strength, metaphorical meaning: large powerful figure exercising control over, small animal Desk as barrier Brown palette, room is a grand, opulent office representative of wealth, power and status Costume grand suit, disguised danger, power, status Red rose threatening, dangerous Shadows mystery, corruption, illegal Slide 13 Sound Quiet no soundtrack intimating that they do not want to be heard reinforcing secrecy Calm tone of Vitos voice laid back, not a stranger to crime Whispers secrecy All violence is dressed in euphemism Slide 14 Editing Slow editing indicates control over situation Slide 15 Camera Close up of Bonesera steadily moves backwards He becomes smaller and smaller as his confidence diminishes In contrast we have the growing figure of the shadowy Vito (GREAT INTRO AND INSIGHT INTO HIS CHARACTER! HIDDEN. PROTECTED. AUTHORITY. MYSTERY etc.) Becomes an over the shoulder shot Low angles indicating dominance, he is taller making him more threatening Long shot od room Vito at the centre of frame. Illustrates superiority two men protecting him Slide 16 Montage Contrast between public image and private business Montage and juxtaposition of wedding vs. office scenes Brightly lit family scenes/community of legitimacy vs. dark, shadowed corrupt business Slide 17 Camera Close up of Bonesera steadily moves backwards He becomes smaller and smaller as his confidence diminishes In contrast we have the growing figure of the shadowy Vito (GREAT INTRO AND INSIGHT INTO HIS CHARACTER! HIDDEN. PROTECTED. AUTHORITY. MYSTERY etc.) Becomes an over the shoulder shot Low angles indicating dominance, he is taller making him more threatening Long shot od room Vito at the centre of frame. Illustrates superiority two men protecting him Slide 18 Juxtaposition WeddingOffice Bright, daylightDark, shadows Jovial, celebratory, livelyHushed, secretive, serious and sinister PublicPrivate SoundtrackNo soundtrack Chatting, laughter, singing, dancing traditional Sicilian wedding Conversation has purpose, violent undertones WomenMen FamilyBusiness LegitimateIllegal, corrupt Slide 19 Sonny First seen standing behind father indicative of his position: eldest son, next in line, foreshadows his rise to power Immediate tension between Sonny and his wife Lack of restraint cheats on his wife, spits on FBI car, smashes camera Impulsive, hot-headed, violent and reckless Slide 20 Michael War hero Immediate stands out as different from family Costume sets him out as American Arrives late Treats Kay as equal speaks candidly about family business and makes blunt admission of family violence and corruption Typically American second generation Italian-American Rejects family business Thats my family Kay. Thats not me. Slide 21 Fredo Weakest middle brother Drunk when initially introduced Uneasy in role overshadowed by older brothers reckless passion and younger brothers unshakeable confidence Moved to Las Vegas and masks his discomfort and insecurity with alcohol and women Slide 22 Tom Hagen Adoptive brother not Sicilian Consigliere lawyer, confidante, chief advisor Intricately involved in family business but not violent does not get his hands dirty Aids the image of legitimacy Sometimes the voice of reason Overly cautious Slide 23 Kay Adams Initially Michaels girlfriend, later his second wife All America girl costume in opening signifies a less demure, traditional women opposing the quiet, passive Italian women Silent during Michal admission love blinds her? Michael brings her into the family picture involves her, brings her into the family