The Godfather Trilogy

9 Pages 2189 Words

Using a film or up to 3 films of your choice, explain how editing and mise-en-scène can accentuate or detract from the narrative.



For this essay, I have chosen The Godfather Trilogy. (COPPOLA, F.F., 1972 - 1990). Using these great movies, I would like to demonstrate the positive impact of editing and mise-en-scéne on the narrative. I will start with very short summary of the story of first two parts of the trilogy, focusing mainly on Michael Corleone’s character and its development to the king of underworld. Afterwards, I intent to clarify how does mise-en-scène make the narrative real and which methods is Francis Ford Coppola using to create a complex and real-looking Mafia world. Furthermore, show which particular features are attendant to the first two parts. Lastly, I will pick up the key sequences and discuss their editing and mise-en-scène.
The trilogy begins in New York in Corleone’s family house with a wedding of Vito’s daughter and we witness the contrast between the loud party outside and the silent and cold study, for the first time. Whole story is mainly about Vito Corleone and his son Michael Corleone. In the first part we can see the relationship between father and the son and the second part is edited to show their resemblance and unification. After the hit on Vito, Michael who wanted to stay out the family business has to step in, to protect his pop. His personal conflict culminates in the scene, when he assassinates Solozzo and police captain McCluskey. (I will discuss this scene later) He is forced to hide in Sicily, where he gets married, but his wife is murdered by men attempting to kill him. In the meanwhile, his brother Sony is assassinated. He finally returns to USA and renews his love for Kay. Vito passes him the throne of the Corleone Family. After Vito’s funeral Michael takes control and the intense and famous baptism sequence follows. During this sequence Michael’s men kill every head of...