1. AS Film Studies
FM1 – Cinematography and Lighting
The Godfather – Analysis of Lighting
In the film The Godfather (Coppola 1972) the lighting is a distinctive feature, which the
director has spoken about at length. In the opening sequences the interior shots of the
Mafia doing ‘business’ in the office are very dark. This (along with other cinematic codes)
has the effect of making the audience wary and expectant. The scene was deliberately
shot in a way that would cast heavy shadows and the film stock was slightly
underexposed to add to the effect. At times it is difficult to distinguish things among the
shadows but this was the effect the director wanted. Why? So that the lighting
complemented the themes of the film; concealment, dark intent, threatening shadowy
Mafia-men and the mysterious underworld. This ‘office’ sequence contrasts sharply when
it cuts to the wedding sequence, which is joyous and presents the respectable, legitimate
side of the Corleone family. This sequence is brightly lit with sunshine and makes the
audience feel like they are safe outside in the bright, natural light after the oppressive
shadows of the interior. The two sides of the family and their duplicitous live are
therefore perfectly established through lighting.

2. Lighting
The Three Point Hollywood System
Lights and placement:
Effect on subject: