Director : Francis Ford Coppola

Stars :
Al Pacino .... Don Michael Corleone
Robert Duvall .... Tom Hagen
Diane Keaton .... Kay Corleone
Robert De Niro .... Vito Corleone
John Cazale .... Fredo Corleone
Talia Shire .... Connie Corleone
Lee Strasberg .... Hyman Roth
Michael V. Gazzo .... Frankie Pentangeli
G.D. Spradlin .... Sen. Pat Geary
Richard Bright .... Al Neri
Gastone Moschin .... Don Fanucci

Preparation :
Read the movie review by Roger Ebert and "A Study in Ambiguity"

Historical/Social Significance :
"The Godfather was probably the first movie that brought the real-life cosa nostra and mafia to reality on the screen. The movie tells about poverty, the turn of the century, a family, and the hypocrisy of politics in America. It is a historical film, all the events are said to be true in one form or another, and it accurately depicts the era of pre and post World War II America. The Godfather teaches a real history of the intricacies of the Sicilian Mafia, the culture, the language (done in the true Sicilian dialect), it teaches about food, family, pride, and again the contradictions and the hypocrisy on so many different levels." (Sicilianculture.com)

"This mythic tragic film contributed to the resurgence in the American film industry, after a decade of competition from cinema abroad. Tom Dirks

This gangster film re-invented the gangster genre, elevating the classic Hollywood gangster film to a higher level by portraying the gangster figure as a tragic hero. Tom Dirks

"Combined, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II represent the apex of American movie-making and the ultimate gangster story. Few sequels have expanded upon the original with the faithfulness and detail of this one. Beneath the surface veneer of an ethnic period piece, The Godfather is not so much about crime lords as it is about prices paid in the currency of the soul for decisions made and avoided. It is that quality which establishes this saga as timeless." James Berardinelli

Synopsis :
The Corleone family is a close knit group that rules over a criminal empire in 1940's New York.

Guided Questions for Viewing :

Assessment questions will be based on the following :

• Many critics have noted the plot’s symbolic relationship to the corruption of the American Dream. In what ways does The Godfather comment on America and on capitalism in particular?
• Compare the paths that Michael and Vito took to get to their positions as Don. Which character is more sympathetic? Why?
• How does Michael view women? Discuss Michael's treatment of women in the film.
• "That's my family, Kay. It's not me. "
  "I don't fell I have to wipe everyone out -- just my enemies -- that's all."
  These two statements by Michael Corleone in The Godfather and The Godfather, Part Two illustrate the change his character has gone through. Explain with reference to the movie what happened to contribute to this change.
• “The film always was a loose metaphor; Michael as America.”—Francis Ford Coppola
  Comment on this statement by Coppola.
• The Godfather, Part Two is about Vito's rise to power and Michael's descent. Discuss this with reference to the movies.
• Senator Geary feels that Michael and his family "try to pass yourselves off as decent Americans. I'll do business with you, but the fact is, I despise your masquerade -- the dishonest way you pose yourself." Discuss what this comment with reference to America.
• Michael Corleone and Charles Foster Kane are both, in their own way, pursuing the American Dream. Discuss the similiarities and differences between these two characters.
• The Godfather movies have many religious ceremonies including a funeral, a wedding, a first Communion and a Baptism. Behind each of these ceremonies there are some dark scenes and events. Discuss the details of these events and discuss what you thought the writer and director was trying to say.