1. Higher English Opening Sequence

2. Soundtrack Blank screen causes us to focus purely on the soundtrack Solitary jazz trumpet = Godfather theme Signifies isolation of mafia Don who doesn’t know who to trust Melancholy tone heightens sense of loneliness

3. Puppet Symbolism Puppet strings symbolise control, power and deception Father = head of family Hierarchy of Italian mafia Bold contrast of black and white

4. Opening Lines “I believe in America…” Immediate introduction of American Dream – an illusion (at least to immigrant population) We focus on Bonasera’s slow paced monologue No soundtrack now

5. Bonasera “America’s 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

6. Bonasera His monologue introduces all the central concerns: – Justice – Violence – Crime – Corruption – Honour – Family – American Dream etc.

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

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

9. Bonasera “Why did you go to the police? Why didn’t you come to me first?” Italian tradition vs. America values & Justice Vito’s opening line immediately highlights corruption and his role as Don Questions Bonasera’s loyalty and respect Mafia culture has separate set of values from American

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 “That’s not justice – your daughter is still alive.” Offers money – Vito ignores this and turns his back; he wants loyalty as payment “We’re not murderers”

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. I’ll call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, accept this as a gift on my daughter’s wedding day.” Cannot refuse a request on this day – Italian tradition Bonasera subservient

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

13. Sound Quiet – no soundtrack – intimating that they do not want to be heard reinforcing secrecy Calm tone of Vito’s voice – laid back, not a stranger to crime Whispers – secrecy All violence is dressed in euphemism

14. Editing Slow editing indicates control over situation

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

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

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

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

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

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 – “That’s my family Kay. That’s not me.”

21. Fredo Weakest middle brother Drunk when initially introduced Uneasy in role – overshadowed by older brother’s reckless passion and younger brother’s unshakeable confidence Moved to Las Vegas and masks his discomfort and insecurity with alcohol and women

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

23. Kay Adams Initially Michael’s 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’