Godfather (Part 2)

The American Dream was a reoccurring motif in the first Godfather film. It is repeatedly introduced by Francis Ford Coppola as the plot progresses. Also, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the second part in this trilogy is a continuum of the portrayal of the American Dream. The same initial message is portrayed, however, it is accentuated and a different point of view is added. 


As Vito Corleone is approaching Ellis Island, he sees the statue of liberty. As a symbol of justice and freedom, the relief is evident as he approaches this great land where the American Dream courses like blood throughout the intertwining roads of this country. Once again, this denotation of the American Dream is seen as it is reflected onto the glass of the room in which Vito has been quarantines. So close, just on the other side of the glass. However, it remains an attainable goal as he is locked in the featureless room.


The American Dream is once again bluntly approached during this film, this time with a different point of view. Almost immediately, Vito discovers the corrupt motives within the American Government that is meant to be emphasizing the possibilities of the American Dream within the average citizen.Perhaps it is not only this particular mafia family that has a corrupt outlook on the American Dream but the entire body of this country as well. As Francis Ford Coppola stated, the injustice that the Corleone family initiates in may just be a shadow of what the entire country is. The American Dream is only a publicized outlook that eclipses the true intentions of the American Government. 

Michael and Sonny

Juxtaposition: to be placed side by side often for means of comparison or contrast. Michael and Sonny are the two main brothers that are portrayed during the film of “The Godfather”. Although, closely related, they are extremely different and as the movie continues this only becomes more apparent.

Michael is the more reluctant of the two to become involved in the family business, however once he does he displays the true persona of a mafia member. He is calm in the face of danger and he doesn’t let his anger overwhelm him. When his father is in danger he automatically knows exactly what to do. And in doing so he remains completely calm regardless of the danger he faces.

Sonny has always been a member of the mafia. In comparison to Michael, though, he is hotheaded and does things on impulse without fully thinking it through. At times when danger is imminent he fails to display the calm readiness that Michael does, and instead is more aggravated by the situation.

These two characters are character FOILS, however, when Michael is sent to Italy in hiding they share a likeness. They both have a large chance of becoming the Don’s Successor. There is one scene that uses juxtaposition to show this similarity of the brothers. The camera keeps switching from Sonny’s life to Michael’s. They are both shown cheating on their significant others and then walking away followed by their entourage. This specific use of juxtaposition helps to remind the audience of how powerful the two of them are, and how despite their differences they are still brothers. 

Costumes (Women)

Costumes assist in setting the scene for films. They make the entire movie more realistic in terms of setting and characters. ‘The Godfather’ is a movie that clearly shows the careful decision-making that went into the wardrobe choices. The majority of the women present in this film are the wives of mafia members. They dress extremely inconspicuously in neutral dresses that blend into the backdrop. In a sense it portrays a sliver of the sexism present in the film. The women are just of the part of the background. Their clothes don’t provide them any other choice. They are not part of the business and their wardrobe choices depict just that.

Kay Adams and Appoliana, the two scarlet women, are the exceptions to this rule.  Both these women are pleasantly dressed in clothes that grab attention. Neither are directly parts of the mafia (yet). This difference in clothing assists in setting these two women aside from the rest. It, also, helps to identify them each as ‘the scarlet woman’.

Costumes (Men)

Although, costumes aren’t usually the most noticeable feature of a movie, they are responsible for a large portion of the characterization that assists the audience in determining the various personalities. Throughout the majority of the film the men that are directly involved in the Corleone mafia are shown wearing inconspicuous, loose, dark clothing. Often they wear overcoats. It may look like a small detail but it was obviously a carefully constructed decision on the part of Francis Coppola. These articles of clothing are perfect for their line of work. It is easily possible to hide a gun or various other weapons under the many layers of clothing. The colors blend into the crowd or the background reasonably well, which is ideal considering the many enemies that they have gained. These clothes, also, provide maximum coverage of facial features. Making it hard to discern the identity of the person.

At the beginning of the film, Michael Corleone is clearly disengaged in his family business. He openly states, “That’s my family, Kay, not me.” In this period of time, there is no doubt he dresses sharply. He wears a combination of military uniforms and suits. This costume selection sets him apart from the rest of his family, which is fitting considering his statement near the start of the film. As his career choice becomes uncertain and he becomes closer to both his family and their business he graduates to the overcoats that the other mafia wear.

Through the Glass

Kay Adams is shown within the first few minutes of the opening of the film. In a bright red dress with white polka dots and a straw hat she makes her initial, and perhaps most memorable, appearance. Her pale face with delicate features and perfectly curled, blonde hair immediately set her apart from the rest of the characters. As the scene progresses she becomes more and more conspicuous. It is obvious that she does not fit in with the Corleone family at all which may be a part of the reason she is deemed so attractive in Michael’s eyes. She seems to be a large part of his life.  However, when Michael receives the news of his father’s injury he immediately enters a telephone booth, slamming the glass door in Kay’s face. While he talks the camera angle continuously shows Kay’s face behind the glass: watching. She is left on the outside, looking in.  Coppola chose to incorporate this small detail since it accentuates the fact that she is an outsider in his life. She is standing outside looking through the glass at a closely-knit family (and mafia business) that she is unable to enter or come closer to.

Scarlet Women

The term ‘scarlet woman’ can refer to a small range of things; however, they all fall under a category of prostitution and promiscuous adultery. In the movie ‘The Godfather’, there are two appearances of the scarlet woman. They arrive upon their scenes clad in red and catching the instant attention of Michael Corleone, the main character.  The first of these women is Kay Adams. As a character she doesn’t appear as a woman with loose morals. However, it is evident that she is drawing Michael further from his family: a scarlet woman luring the protagonist from his path in life.

Appoliana is the second scarlet woman to appear. She, as well, captures Michael’s heart. In her first appearance she wears a simple red frock that does not fail to depict her stunning beauty. Michael becomes married to this woman while still in a relationship with Kay Adams. Hence the reason for Appoliana being a ‘scarlet woman’.

This term refers directly to the Roman Catholic Church. Considering the entire Corleone family is strictly Roman Catholic, this symbolism is not per chance. Francis Coppola created this connection purposely perhaps meaning to subtly influence the opinions of the audience or to show their intentions were not as pure as they appeared. They are both shown as two innocent women showing interest in a man tied with the mafia. Kay Adams and Appoliana may therefore by portrayed as scarlet women to show they are not completely impartial to the idea of being connected to the mafia. 

The Color Orange

Throughout the dark scenes of 'The Godfather' there is not a large variety of color, however there seems to be an abundance of oranges in a variety of the scenes. Most cultures associate the color orange with emotions such as enthusiasm and energy. In 'The Godfather' it seems that this color, as well as the fruit, is associated with something slightly more morbid.

The first time this fruit is shown in the movie is at the wedding where Sal tosses an orange into the air. Later on, in the plot, he is suspected of betraying the family and is immediately killed. Also, in the dining scene between Tom Hagens and Woltz there is a basket of oranges on the dining table in which bad news is delivered. And later, still affected by the same basket of oranges, Woltz discovers his prized horse dead.

In one of the most significant scenes of this film oranges are used, as well. Don Corleone exits the car in front of a fruit vendor and purchases two oranges before he is fatally injured by numerous gunshots. To add to the clear symbolism in this scene, a basket of oranges tumbles to the ground as the Don collapses onto the street.