Based on Mario Puzo's 1969 crime novel of the same name, Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpiece The Godfather (1972) chronicles the fictional Corleone family and its rise to becoming one of the most powerful mafia families in America. The film's legacy continues to captivate audiences and influence pop culture, making its exploration of mob life both fascinating and compelling.
Starring Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as his son Michael, The Godfather was lauded by both critics and audiences alike and spawned a pair of sequels: The Godfather II (1974) and The Godfather III (1990). The franchise has not only entertained millions but has also provided a lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of organized crime.
Real-life Mobsters and Entertainers Served as Inspiration for the Characters
The Godfather franchise is heavily influenced by many real-life mobsters and events. The characters in the film are not solely products of fiction but are based on real individuals who played significant roles in organized crime. This intertwining of reality and fiction adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
Vito Corleone Was Inspired by Frank Costello
Portrayed by Brando, the character of Vito was actually a combination of a few mobsters. Like real-life mobster Joe Profaci, Vito had an olive oil business to serve as a front for his illegal activities and kept his circle small and intimate. Like Carlo Gambino, Vito had a reputation for being a modest, under-the-radar figure.
However, the Godfather character is most similar to real-life mobster Frank Costello, who was strategic, reasonable, and known as "The Prime Minister" of the mob because of his wise counsel. Like Costello, Vito used his diplomatic skills and his connections to influential businessmen and politicians to keep his power in place and discouraged his underlings from getting involved in the narcotics business.
Johnny Fontane Was Inspired by Frank Sinatra
The similarities between the character of Johnny Fontane (played by Al Martino) and singer Frank Sinatra were so conspicuous that Sinatra was purportedly irked by it. In the film, Fontane reaches out to Vito to help him get out of a contract he was unhappy with. Likewise, in real life, Sinatra was able to wiggle out of his contract with the help of his mob connections.
Desperate to rescue his fading career, Fontane decides to go into acting and gets cast in a big movie — a move that Sinatra made when he starred in From Here to Eternity, which subsequently reinvigorated his popularity. Interestingly, Coppola briefly mulled over the idea of casting Sinatra as Vito.
The Lessons and Themes Reflected in The Godfather
The Godfather not only tells a gripping story of power and betrayal but also reflects on deeper themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of choices. Audiences are drawn into the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, making the film a timeless classic that resonates with viewers across generations.
Michael Corleone Was Inspired by Salvatore “Bill” Bonanno
Mobster Joseph Bonanno didn't want his son, Bill, to get into the family business. Encouraging Bill to live on the straight-and-narrow, Joseph got his son to go to law school — just like Vito had his son Michael do. Despite his father's wishes, Michael — like Bill — found his way into the mob life. However, that’s where the common thread ends.
In real life, Bill's personality was more like Michael's older brother, Fredo. He was ostentatious, attention-seeking, lived off of his family's wealth, and never received the respect he so badly wanted from his father's men. The contrast between Michael and Bill highlights the complexities of family dynamics within the mob world.
Michael’s Restaurant Shooting Was Inspired by an Encounter Between Lucky Luciano and Joe Masseria
In one of the most memorable scenes in The Godfather, Michael makes a pivotal shift from being innocent to turning into a full-fledged gangster. Inviting two of his father's enemies to a restaurant to settle their issues, Michael takes off to the bathroom, where he locates a gun planted for him. He returns to dinner and proceeds to shoot both men to death.
This scene was inspired by one of the most notorious public executions in mob history. In 1931, famed mobster Lucky Luciano, who was bent on usurping power from his mentor and boss Giuseppe "Joe" Masseria, asked him out to lunch at a restaurant in Coney Island. When Luciano took off to the men's room, Masseria met his untimely end when he was gunned down by a group of hitmen.
Michael’s Journey Reflects Real-Life Mafia Experiences
Michael's journey throughout the film mirrors the lives of many real-life mobsters, showcasing the personal sacrifices and moral compromises that often accompany a life of crime. This portrayal not only adds depth to the character of Michael but also serves as a cautionary tale about the allure and dangers of power.
Michael Fleeing to Italy and Falling in Love
When Michael guns down his father's enemies, he takes off to Sicily, where he ends up falling in love and marrying local village girl Apollonia Vitelli. The storyline draws parallels to the lives of mobsters Genovese and Luciano. To avoid prosecution for a murder he committed, Genovese escaped to Italy and only returned when he was in the clear.
In Luciano's case, he was deported to the homeland and ended up directing his illegal activities in the United States from there — never to return home again. And like Michael, Luciano fell in love with a young Italian woman, a ballerina named Igea Lissoni, whom he stayed with until her death.
The Lasting Impact of The Godfather
The influence of The Godfather extends far beyond cinema. Its exploration of themes like loyalty, power, and moral ambiguity continues to resonate in today’s culture. The film's characters serve as representations of real-life mobsters, making it both a creative work and a historical commentary.
As audiences continue to engage with the film, it becomes clear that The Godfather is not just a story about organized crime; it is a complex narrative that explores the intricacies of family, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s choices. This depth is what has cemented its status as a cinematic masterpiece and a cultural touchstone.
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