This month marks the 40th anniversary of what is arguably the best American made film of all time. In fact the American Film Institute's Top 100 Films list ranks The Godfather at number two– just behind Citizen Kane, and just before Casablanca!
Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo made what was to become the standard bearer for screenwriting, directing, acting, cinematography, and film scoring– while creating a springboard for an entire generation of actors– making most of them household names in only a matter of a few years.
To say The Godfather inspired many facets of popular culture would be an understatement. Not a day goes by where one doesn't here a Godfather reference or quote–the Tao of The Godfather as Tom Hanks' character calls it in You've Got Mail. It gave birth to an entire genre of film making, and has inspired many a man to practice their Brando imitations– much to the chagrin of their friends and families.
There have been some groups over the years– especially in the Italian American community– who argue that The Godfather had helped portray Italians as nothing more than criminals and thugs. Being of Italian decent, I am sensitive to the fact there are indeed cartoonish stereotypes portrayed in film and television (which naturally applies to any ethnic group). In some cases to good effect– and in some cases– sadly– not. Though many times it's simply a case of life imitating art or perhaps art imitating life imitating art...
There is certainly room for discussion on the subject of negative stereotypes in film, however the most important thing to realize about The Godfather is this: It is first and foremost the story of a family– told in Shakespearean proportions– covering the classic themes of love, hatred, struggle for power, jealousy, vengeance, and the hope of redemption.
