Camera Angles in ‘The Godfather’ Movie

Opening Scene

The Godfather movie is one of the best films to watch. It has set the benchmarks for the film industry.
Following is the review of some of the camera angles taken in this film.

A camera angle refers to the composition of the shot. It positions the audience so that they can
understand the relationship between the characters. These are crucial to convey the meaning in the film
as well as in other visual texts.

Francis Ford Coppola, the director of the movie uses a lot of camera angles throughout the movie to
show some drama effect. Take for example the initial scene. In this scene, the man is asking for
Godfather’s help. The man looks upset while talking, whereas, the Godfather, though his face is not
shown, he is portrayed as a powerful figure and listens to the man calmly.

Another example is when Michael comes back to home from the hospital. His brother, Sonny that
Sollozzo and McCluskey wants to have a meeting with Michael. Michael on hearing this sits on the couch
and comes up with a plan. Here he mentions that he will meet them in a public place, in a restaurant
wherein a gun will be kept and will blow their heads when had the right opportunity. The Camera first
starts with a wide shot showing everyone in the room and then, slowly the camera comes closer to
Michael’s face as he briefs the plan. At the end, you will only see him in the chair. It is a very significant
shot, because well Michael, who likes to stay away, coming up with the plan and is taking responsibility.
The camera angle empowers him.
 Michael at Start

Michael when Explaining the Plan