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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The Godfather Review

The Godfather revolves around the Corleone family, a New York mafia family. Don Vito Corleone's youngest son Micheal plans to never get involved with the family business, but he eventually does and begins to get rid of anyone that does not give his family the proper respect just like his father did. A drug dealer approaches the Corleone family to get protection, but the traditional Don Vito refuses to get involved with the drug market which leads to a mob war between the Corleones and the Sollozzos.

The Godfather is the epitome of what a mafia film should be with multiple plot lines made up of various hit crimes and family drama. The film could stand to be a little shorter and keeping track of who is killing who can sometimes get confusing, but otherwise the film hits the mark. The list of well known actors will not let you down because all of them are very convincing in their roles. However, Marlon Brando as Don Corleone is sometimes hard to understand due to the fact that he can barely move his mouth which seems like it is always filled with something. Other than his distractingly slurred voice, Brando fits the role because he looks and acts the part.

The film is filled with memorable lines and wonderfully choreographed scenes such as the baptism scene which is broken up by images of the Corleone's enemies being killed off. All of the violence in the movie is not overwhelming because just as much emphasis is placed on dialogue and emotion. The Godfather makes you side with the Corleones even though you do not agree with what they are doing because of the excellent acting and reasoning behind their actions. The movie succeeds at what it aims to do and illustrates a convincing mob family and all of their affairs.

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