The trilogy film Godfather is perhaps the greatest American gangster film. Though the film may seem to celebrate Mafia and violence in Sicilian and Italian heritage, Coppola hit upon the idea of making the film more of a metaphor for American capitalism. This particular film made Coppola very popular in his film making career. Although the film did not greatly glorify violence due to its little manifestations, Coppola managed to create a legendary film whose political messages are very timeless and realistic. It reflects the needs, fears and hopes of American culture. Through this film, Coppola initially created his own identity due to his unique directorial styles despite the limited resources.
Director Coppola from the God father 1, II and trilogy seems to value the dynamics of family. He incorporated in these movies how people work together. There is distinct progression from godfather Vitos family, Vitos rise to power and Michaels fall which manifests Copollas ability to explore his directing talents. The movie reflects cultural idealism that mirrors family, loyalty and honour. It reveals how the Corleone family consolidates their business power to protect their familys honour. It is highly anticipated and perhaps critically examine because the movie setting is an also a description during the rise of American economic success where Mafia as a powerful group are great contributors. It is a story of gangster genre where power is very important. The Godfather despite its low budgeted production has an enduring artistic legacy-where the film speaks for itself.
All three movies of Godfather are also dominated by paternalistic rule where men are superior. This affirms that the movie is done during Copollas earliest career where sexism topic is not really explored and debated.
Copolla acquired a classical and traditional style of filmmaking during the Godfathers the making. The film is very long and it is obviously low budgeted. Another unique structure of Copollas movie in the Godfather is the use of flashbacks as further psychological depths of analysis to the character and themes. Coppola took the risk of making part 2 in Godfather. Making part 2 during Copollas earliest time is a no, no in the production industries because theories says that audiences usually lose interest in part twos but Coppola successfully made it almost perfect that made him won Oscars. It was truly a magnificent movie. Coppola is a born talent. Every scene makes a perfect sense. Coppola made a good job with the way he develop his characters. The character of Vito and Michael seems quiet and theres coolness in its nature however, Coppola artistically made an evolution for them as a cold blooded killers that made them stronger force. And I found the background colours satisfying. The colours scheme alone will say that the future involvement of the characters will be dark experiences. The movie is a complete material of different variety of elements from music, to colours, setting, and plot structure and character development. It is a perfect blend of elements where in the variety of scenes were linked together from different time period and created emotional momentum and revelation. The movie though simple and traditional showcases creativity and richness.
Sciendlers List, on the other hand is one of the most celebrated films of Spielberg. It is under the genre of war-drama film that illustrates the story of a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish Jewish during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The story itself is very authentic about a Nazi saving Jews who suddenly risked everything he had earned and put it all in the service of saving the lives of some Polish Jews. It was dangerous but will it be worth it Sciendlers List ideally illustrates the horror of the Holocaust combined with Spielbergs tender humanism. This film differ from other Holocaust films that preceded Spielberg, yet the finished product remain faithful to the unforgettable images of more than six million massacred Jews.
In this film, one can truly see a very passionate film maker who did not ultimately concerned himself with the profit but primarily created the movie for artistic fulfilment. The product became an inspiration for the future American film makers. The crew shot the film at the real life locations though the PBaszw concentration camp had to be reconstructed due to the post-war changes to the original camp. Moreover, the film crews were forbidden to enter Auschwitz and so Spielberg created a replica instead outside the camp. Spielberg, aside from totally conforming to the book where he basically based the film, personally interviewed survivors, went to Poland and spent time with the people to speak to the Jews who had come back to Poland after the war. Spielberg basically spent a great deal of research to depict the story in a more credible way.
The film is shot in black and white which effectively use shadow and light, meticulously limiting the application of hue. The opening scene, one little girls jacket appears red so that she stands out, and the closing sequence, a pair of candles burn with orange flames, however are in color which make a point and impression. One can say that it has an artistic and effective device for presenting the films story. Spielbergs identity in this film is that is has a documentary quality with its virtually black and white color. Though Hollywood is not known for its accurate depictions of historical events but no one can question Spielbergs efforts to confront factual matters in a fictional way.
The film Last of the Mohicans on the other hand directed by Michael Mann depicts Old American culture and heritage. The story of the Last Mohicans is about war stories, adventure, frontier romance, pioneer life and racism. The film is a historical fiction that takes place during the third year of the Indian and French war in 1755-1763. Indians play a very significant role in Indian and French since some of them became the French ally to help them explore the wild forest frontier of western New York. The story though didnt focus much on the detailed events of the French and Indian War, but on the consequences of the interracial friendship and romance, revenge, nature and combat scenes in the wilderness. Mann emphasizes the tensions between nature and culture, between nature and man and between the Whites and Native Indians.
The title itself Last of the Mohicans symbolizes the death of the native Indian Culture in the encroaching approach of European civilization. The death of Uncas particularly laments the end of the Mohicans civilization. The title itself determines the ultimate tragedy of the novels plot. The novel was fruitful contribution to still remember that once in American frontier there came an ancient civilization that must be saluted with their expertise in the wilderness and pioneer life. The story of Mann is non fiction but the characters were created in the novel especially the Indian tribes has historical context. Though the land itself where the setting took place is as dangerous as the Indian tribes but Mann also highlighted and justified the good sides of the natives. The setting is in the woods that fills Indian tribes. Their expertise in conventional battle in the wilderness fits their potential. The setting and nature conveys that the story is to introduce the native Indians. When the whites came, Cooper through the characters he created contributes to the depiction on how Indians are treated outside the Frontier. The film also showcases the weakness of the Europeans in their lack of understanding in the dangerous forest. At the very beginning, whites were expressive that they need Indians expertise to invade the land. Indians are fierce and dangerous though but it is for them to continue their legacy and civilization. Their keen awareness of racism made them defensive.This film makes American audience retrospect about their heritage.
Apparently, all the three directors created films that illustrate part of history and human reality. Spielberg and Coppola, left a great legacy with their unique and passionate styles in film making. Through them, other American film makers were inspired to create films that are not only profit oriented but films that should also depict reality with artistic innovation. Both directors illustrate the extent of American liberated minds, whose artistic expressions and freedom are unrestricted. It was somehow a fulfilment of American dream where arts enthusiasts are encouraged to express their creativity.
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