Gangster Movies: Scarface and Godfather
The infancy of gangster films can be traced back to the early 1930's, with such movies as Scarface, Little Caesar, and White Heat. These movies are considered classics of the gangster genre for several reasons. They were each made during an era where real gangsters were making daily headlines. Hollywood captured the authenticity of current life, and adapted it such a way as to make it attractive for a movie audience to enjoy. Another example is the classic gangster movies glamorized the gangster, while portraying the ordinary citizen as boring. Audiences found themselves routing for the bad guy. This was morally wrong in that society and threats of federal regulation forced the moviemakers to tone down the hoodlum image. Generations later, a new breed of gangster films emerged. The Godfather I is considered a baroque gangster film that set new standards for the genre, thus becoming a new classic. Many aspects of the Godfather I differ from the classic 1930's gangster films. For example, in this "new breed" of gangster films, each gang is made up of members of a family. Family members are usually blood relatives, or someone that has married into the family. Few exceptions are made to welcome non-related members. There
In conclusion, classic gangster movies differ a great deal from baroque gangster movies. With the mid camera shot, we can see the facial reactions of Solluzzo and McCloskey when they first realize Michael has a gun. That evening, this new generation of mobsters hit in a way that the classic generation would never have dreamed of. He starts to panic and thrusts the covers off the bed to discover the head of his $600,000 horse lying at the foot of the bed. He implores the Don for justice against the two boys. Only Solluzzo could be heard speaking in Italian. The elevated subway roared by as he was walking back to the table. After each yell, the camera switches to a shot that is purposely and effectively much further back, until the camera shows the entire back of the house, with the fountains in the foreground, and the producer's screams have eerily progressed into an echo. Nevertheless, Bonasera finally asks for the Don's friendship and shows his respect by kissing the Don's hand. are usually several families that remain predominately in control. However, when a powerful movie, such as the Godfather I is made, it's influence creates a whole new generation of classic gangster movies. In the Godfather I, several scenes demonstrate the notion of a baroque genre to a new classic. The Don sends Tom Hayden to Hollywood to politely, but firmly, stress the importance of Johnny being cast for the lead role. Instead, Tom threatens him with guaranteed union troubles and a drug scandal on one of his contract actors. Finally, a combination of close up camera shots and mid camera shots while Michael is shooting the two men create a chilling and memorable scene.
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Acceptance Essays
