Inspiration Part 1

The crime drama genre is full of great movies to glean inspiration from. 3 movies I will analyze are The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Scarface.

The Godfather-Opening Scene

The Godfather opening scene showcases some major aspects that make this movie great. The movie opens on black with horns shifting into a man talking. The man’s face fades into the shot from the black as he discusses why he has come to the Godfather. Throughout his monologue, the camera backs away from his face, finally resting behind the Godfather.

The setting of this scene is Don Corleone’s office, in the 1940s. The room is dimly lit and the central focus is solely on the man speaking as the background is almost entirely enveloped by darkness. The lack of music also speaks to this, letting the audience solely focus on the character. As the camera moves away from him, more of the room is seen and context is given. The darkness gives way to Corleone and the two people watching the interchange.

While he is listening, Corleone sits attentively. To answer the man, Corleone stands up, a subtle show of power, and explains why he will not help the man. This dialogue depicts what the rest of the movie s about, respect.

The wardrobe is dress attire supporting the plot point of it being the day of Corleone’s daughters wedding. Corleone also has a rose in his jacket pocket depicting the class of the mafia.