Do The Godfather Movies Start with Vito’s or Michael’s Story?
The Godfather: A Journey Through Generations
The Godfather is a classic trilogy that has captivated audiences for decades. Filmed in the 1970s and 1990s, the series explores the lives of the Corleone family, from the patriarch Vito to the driven CEO Michael. But a common question lingers among fans: do the Godfather movies begin with Vito's or Michael's story?
Starting with Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather opens with a scene that sets the tone for the entire series. The camera pans over the streets and past the iconic Corleone family in a funeral procession. Viaggio, via a cave a se (a journey for yourself) plays softly in the background as we witness the aftermath of what appears to be a mafia murder.
The film then cuts to Vito Corleone, the patriarch and Godfather of the Corleone family, at his daughter Conniersquo;s wedding. The first words are spoken by a man whose daughter was brutally assaulted by men not of Italian ancestry. This opening scene underscores the code of loyalty and justice that Vito stands for, paving the way for the subsequent tale of the Corleone family and their rise to power and influence in the mafia world.
Transition to Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part II picks up where the first film left off but is primarily told through Michael Corleone's perspective. The film begins with Michael, a role that Marlon Brando played in flashbacks and later on by Al Pacino in the present day. It's 1958, and the FBI is investigating the Corleone family for their criminal activities. The movie opens with Michael reading a letter from a man named Boneseara, the undertaker, although more famously, it's the Cardinal's visit that initiates the plot. This flashback scene serves to show the past and present, providing context, and setting the stage for Michael's journey from a soldier to the Godfather.
End of Part II and Beginning of Part III
The Godfather Part II is narrated through Michael's perspective, but it ends with a cliffhanger. As the narrative transitions to The Godfather Part III, the story returns to Vito Corleone in a series of final, poignant scenes in his homestead in Sicily. This return to Vito's past, along with the honoring of his legacy and the transfer of knowledge to Michael at his own wedding, symbolizes the continuation of the family's traditions and the passage of power from one generation to the next.
The Journey Through Generations
The Godfather trilogy is a study of family dynamics, power, and responsibility. It explores how the passage of power from Vito to Michael changes the nature of the family, transforming it from a traditional honor code of the old world to a more ruthless business entity in the modern era. The opening of The Godfather with Vito establishes the family's code of ethics and honor, while The Godfather Part II and Part III delve into Michael's struggle to live up to his father's legacy and govern the family's increasingly complex and violent world.
Fan Questions and Discussions
Fans often debate which story arc is more compelling: Vito's or Michael's. Vito's story provides a foundation of family values and traditions, while Michael's explores themes of guilt, governance, and the inevitability of power corrupting even the most righteous individuals. Many critics and scholars argue that the use of parallel timelines in The Godfather Part II is a masterful narrative technique, seamlessly merging the past and present and offering a deep, multifaceted perspective on the family's journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Godfather movies do not start with a single story but rather weave Vito and Michael's narratives throughout the series. Each opening scene sets the stage for the complexities and conflicts that follow, from the traditions of Vito to the modern struggles of Michael. This intricate storytelling is a testament to the brilliance of The Godfather trilogy and its enduring impact on popular culture.