The Godfather: 50 Years Later

“I Believe in America”

“Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever.”

- Michael Corleone

The 50th anniversary of The Godfather is near. Theaters across the country will be showing the movie in “stunning 4k” for the anniversary celebration on February 25th. By now, everyone knows The Godfather is a masterpiece. Some call it the greatest movie ever made. What makes The Godfather so timeless? Why does this movie resonate so well with Americans? What about the book? Has The Godfather stood the test of time?

Let's dive in…

Family

The Godfather is American to the core. Some even say it is the greatest family movie of all time. Odd, considering it’s full of violence, organized crime, and sex (especially the book.) Don Vito Corleone exudes family values. There is nothing more important to him than family.

“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”

- Don Vito Corleone

Family is a bond that cannot be broken. The concept of family separates The Godfather from the other mafia movies. The Don:

• Warns Sonny about an affair with the Maid of Honor (and thus, not being true to his family)
• Constantly asks “Do you spend time with your family?”
• Treats his daughter’s wedding day as the most sacred of days
• Says “Never go against the family”

This is relatable to American families. Family is timeless, much like The Godfather. Ever wonder why The Godfather is so re-watchable? Start here.

Passing the Torch

Another family concept…succession. Everyone can relate to the importance of passing the torch to someone else, especially to a son or daughter. Don Vito Corleone passes the torch to his son, Michael…but that isn’t obvious at first. Sonny seems destined to be the heir to the throne, but his temperament clouds his judgment. Fredo is loyal but weak. Michael is best suited for the throne but, something else very relatable happens…

The father doesn’t want the same life for his son.

How many real-life fathers feel the same way? How relatable.

“I don’t apologize, that’s my life, but I thought that… that when it was your time, you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.”- Don Vito Corleone

How many fathers want their sons to become a lawyer, bankers, doctors, or professional athletes? Anything other than what they are.

The Old Country

Francis Ford Coppola was a surprising selection to direct The Godfather. They wanted someone Italian who understood. He understood the importance of authenticity. He understood how Italian-Americans talked, dined, their mannerisms, and body language. For Michael’s exile to Sicily, the producers wanted Coppola to just film the scenes in the United States. Coppola would have none of it. Even though it would be an expensive shoot, he needed the authentic Sicilian location.

The Corleone’s connection to their heritage is a key theme throughout The Godfather. They are literally from Corleone, Sicily. This connection to the “old country” resonates with the audience. The scenes in Sicily feel so real because they are real. Italian location with Italian actors (and actresses) equals a better picture.

Power

People are intrigued by power. The Corleones have power. The power of Don Corleone is immediately evident in the movie’s opening wedding scene. Hundreds of guests, wine, and Italian food for those loyal to the family. His guests even take advantage of The Don’s inability to deny a request on his daughter’s wedding day (an old Sicilian tradition.) Don Corleone can call on a governor, senator, fellow don, or anyone in a position of power to perform a task for him. He has enormous wealth and influence in the underworld.

Audiences are captivated by mafia movies such as The Godfather, Goodfellas, The Irishman, etc. because of the power and influence these characters hold. We like to imagine ourselves as equally as powerful. We quote these characters and pretend we are Dons ourselves.

I am currently reading a book titled Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli by Mark Seal. It is an excellent book about how the movie was made. The story about how the movie came together is almost as good as the movie itself. I highly recommend it. It’s the perfect read before the 50th-anniversary release.