1. Representation of Gender: The Godfather
The scene opens with a close up of Don Corleones face, discussing business about
solluzo, the sound is all non-diagetic, so that the audience can understand fully what
they are discussing. Sonny, one of many sons of Don Corleone is also present for his
opinion. In this whole scene, there are no women to be seen; suggesting that this
scene is very gender specific and male dominated. The camera then cuts to a long
shot of solluzo walking into where Don Corleone is seated waiting for him. This
suggests that there is a meeting held between them, to talk business, a typical male
scene, and in this whole movie, we can say that talking business has become a hobby
and a habit for most men.
However this scene is very civil, with no weapons or violence intended, which is
not a typical male dominated movie. Within the conversation between Tom, Sonny
and Don Corleone, Vito Corleone is treated with utmost respect as he speaks, which
is emphasized throughout the movie. We now cut to solluzo walking in and being
greeted by Tom Hagen and Sonny, while Tom Hagens conversation with Don
corleone can still be heard and is overlapped with the present event. This cuts to an
over the shoulder shot of Tom, advising Don Corleone about how they need to get
involved in the drug business, in which solluzo is offering.
The status of an advisor in a traditional Italian family is highly respected and is
also very sacred. We not cut to a straight shot of solluzo, wearing a very expensive
looking suit, suggesting that he is of high status. In the 1970’s, fashion trend was
highly regarded and you were judged accordingly. We cut to a conversation between
men in a bar in a shot reverse shot, reinforcing that this is a male dominated scene.
Also the presence of alcohol is highly regarded as a celebration and peace,
reinforcing that this meeting is civil, also suggesting how this differs from a typical
male scene in a bar.
We cut to a over the shoulder shot of solluzo, who is not pleased with Don
Corleones answer, and in the same shot Sonny interrupts Don Corleone, which is
very disrespectful, and offends Don Corleones super ego, a typical reaction from a
male. There are many suggestive ways in which gender is represented, such as the
mise en scene, were the men are in a bar surrounded by alcohol.