The Godfather Michael Corleone Analysis

Godfather: The Spiritual Desolation of Michael Corleone
The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is known as one of the most infamous films in American history. Since its release in 1972, it continues to transcend generations of people; never wavering from its appraised status. The film illustrates the gradual moral and spiritual descent of a young Michael Corleone as he suddenly inherits the family business. In the beginning, Michael show’s a great dislike for his family’s way of life and what it entails; seeing himself as a separate person from them entirely. However his father, Don Corleone, otherwise known as “The Godfather” and his lifestyle, evidently merge with Michael’s. It is within this new role that Michael learns that

Through the editing alone, this scene puts into perspective the conflicting morals and actions of anyone holding the position of the "Godfather". As the baptism begins, a wide shot reveals the location of the scene as the organ and cries of a baby play lightly in the background. The use of this shot adds to the façade of a typical day and conceals the nature of the events that are to come later in the scene. Progressing on, the camera follows the motion of Kay, Michael, and the baby as they prepare to partake in the ceremony. The liturgical sounds of the organ remedying with the words of the priest create a sound bridge as the scene cuts to a man loading a gun and another carrying a large box and entering his car. This editing schema consisting of cuts from the holy ceremony to the preparation for what looks like a mass murder, build up suspense in both events as the unknown becomes clearer with each cut. Amongst the shots in the church, the camera focuses on the expressions on Michael’s face, emphasizing his expressionless facade as his power and control are consolidated on the outside