1. Film Opening Analysis- The godfather
The pace of the opening scene seems to be very slow. The movie begins with a black
screen with music playing. The slowly the title of the film is gradually appearing on
the black screen. They have used an effect on the ‘Father’ part of the title by having
puppet string above it witch gives you the impression of someone pulling strings and
deceiving. Witch I guess becomes clearer in the film at some point. The only colours
that have been used so far in the scene is black and white which fits with the slow
paced calm opening. Black and white, not too striking, which fits with the slow paced
calm opening. For the next three minutes of the film there is one shot from the same
angle zooming out from a close up of a man’s face to an over the shoulder shot of
another man, not yet revealed as the godfather. This reveal while the first man is
telling a story of her daughter being mistreated makes it obvious that he is trying to
get help from the godfather – who is already suggested to be an important and
powerful figure through this man begging him for help. There is no music
throughout this whole scene after the title and as a result the scene is very quiet. This
is suggesting that they do not want anyone to hear, adding to the secrecy of the
scene. The godfather is in shadow at this point, demonstrating the mysterious nature
of his character. The lighting being low key at this point, creating many shadows
fitting with the theme of crime throughout this film – this man clearly has a lot to
hide. The man then walks out of shot and back into shot next to the godfather and
whispers in his ear. They are both now in shadow, suggesting the enigmatic and
dangerous request that he has asked of the godfather.
It then cuts to a close up of the front of the godfather’s face. This is the first time in
the film his face has been revealed and the dialogue now shifts from the first man to
him. The focus is now on the godfather. It then cuts to a long shot of the room,
where he is in centre of frame and has two men in the room with him as well as the
first man. The Mise en Scene with the support of these two men suggests his
superiority, he is clearly in charge. After this it cuts to a mid-shot of the godfather
sitting down stroking a cat, giving the impression that he is comfortable in this
situation, reinforcing his superiority. It also links him to the room, and with his
opulent clothing and the room itself looking professional and expensive places him
as a grander character. His calm tone of speaking and the laid back actions also
reinforce him being comfortable in this situation; he is very powerful and is also not a
stranger to a life of crime. The slow pace of editing also reinforces this calm and
suggests the control he has over the situation.
Opening scene ends with a close up of the man kissing the godfather’s hand, and the
godfather escorting him out. This demonstrates the respect that the godfather
expects and is used to, reinforcing his superiority
