The Acting and Look of Marlon Brando Makes The Godfather Believable

In The Godfather the character of Don Vito Corleone provides one very important element of mise-en-scene. Marlon Brando's performance as Don Corleone really makes the movie what it is. He uses a particular way of speaking and gestures that help the viewer to understand who the Don is.

Brando specifically takes on a strong somewhat mumbled Italian accent for the part. He delivers his lines in such a nonchalant, but intimidating way that it is easy to understand and believe that the Don is not someone to mess with. The way he speaks is combined with his very stiff body movements which convey not only his age, but also is seriousness. If he moved quickly, he would not be taken as seriously as he should be. Brando's acting is very naturalistic because he seems to fully take on the role of the Godfather. It is recognizable that he is Brando and even though most viewers know that Brando does not normally talk in that voice, his acting is so naturalistic that while watching the film we believe that he is indeed Don Vito Corleone.

Throughout The Godfather Don Vito ages and becomes more decrepid and less powerful as the power shifts into the hands of his son Micheal. A lot of makeup was used to make Brando look considerably older for the role. His mouth was also altered to give him a specific look and contribute to his manner of speaking. Brando wears a suit for almost the entire movie, which aids to the idea that he means business especially when he is in his office. If he were not so well dressed he would not have as much credibility and it would be hard to see why he would be so respected. As Don Vito ages and the power transfers to Micheal we see him in more casual attire like at the scene of his death where he is not wearing a suit, jacket or tie. This helps us to believe that he is no longer the most important member of the family and is ready to pass it all on to Micheal. The look and acting of Brando in this film heavily contributes to the believability and plot of the film.

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