The Godfather Part II

Movie: The Godfather Part II, 1974; 200 min

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Actors: Al Pachino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro

Summary: As Michael, the new Don Corleone, expands his control over his syndicate that stretches from Nevada to pre-revolutionary Cuba, the past story of his father, Vito, is portrayed.

Question 1: Discuss how the connection between Michael with his father Don Vito Corleone is portrayed at the beginning of the film.

Similarities between the first and second films can be seen in the opening of the second film. Both films begin with a family gathering/celebration where people come in to see the Don of the Corleone family at the time. In the second film, Michael has taken the place of his father as the head of the family. During a large celebration at his mansion, people come to Michael’s office to ask the Don for advice and help. The way Michael conducts his meetings is similar to that of how his father conducted meetings in the first film. Coppola uses these connections and similarities between Michael and his father to portray Michael’s new role as the head of the family. He has now taken his father’s place and has his shoes to fill; this is why Michael starts to conduct his affairs similar to how his father did at the family celebration.

Question 2: Discuss the importance of mise en scene and wardrobe in the film.

This film takes place in two different eras: the past when Don Vito is young, and the present when Michael is the head of the family. Mise en scene is especially important to the film because it tells the audience that the time period has changed and a different storyline is beginning or continuing. Wardrobe can tell a great deal about the time period and also about what stages the characters are in at each time of their life. For example, it is recognizable that Don Vito has not yet become successful when he is wearing less expensive clothes and is still working in the local store. Also, the setting tells what stage Vito is in his life because before he becomes successful he lives in a small apartment with his family and with little belongings. Mise en scene also sets apart the more recent time period in the film when Michael is the head of the family. Michael’s home and clothing are both proof of his success and wealth, unlike his father before he became the Don. Without mise en scene in wardrobe and setting, there would be no way for the audience to differentiate between the two time periods of the film.