Few films have left as profound an impact on the landscape of cinema as Francis Ford Coppola’s <em>The Godfather</em>. This revolutionary cinematic masterpiece, which debuted 43 years ago and garnered an impressive 9 Oscars at the 1973 Academy Awards, not only transformed the entire gangster genre but also offered a critical examination of the American Dream, presenting it in a light that resembles an American nightmare.

Renowned director Steven Spielberg, famous for iconic films such as E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark, has previously referred to The Godfather as “the greatest American film ever made.” While Spielberg’s admiration for the film is undoubtedly valid, it stands in stark contrast to the film’s opener, where undertaker Amerigo Bonasera (played by Salvatore Corsitto) whispers an unheard plea into Don Corleone’s ear, sharing the emotional turmoil of how his daughter was denied justice by the American legal system. Thus, the profound irony lies in the disparity between Spielberg’s accolades and the complex themes woven into his own diverse filmography, which has often idealized the concepts of honor and the American Dream.

Steven Spielberg Declares The Godfather As The Greatest American Film, And He’s Absolutely Justified

Spielberg Celebrates Coppola And His Iconic 1972 Film

During a recent ceremony hosted by the American Film Institute, notable filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg honored Francis Ford Coppola with the prestigious 50th AFI Life Achievement Award. This accolade has been previously awarded to esteemed Hollywood luminaries such as Martin Scorsese and Sidney Poitier. In his heartfelt speech, Spielberg proclaimed that The Godfather stands as America’s greatest film, emphasizing that Coppola’s unparalleled talent has “inspired a generation of storytellers“:

“’The Godfather,’ for me, is the greatest American film ever made. Many artists can and do take a bow from their work on a page, on a canvas, on a screen, but our applause for you, Francis, is from a different kind of audience…You have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film, and in so doing, you’ve inspired a generation of storytellers who want to make you proud of their work, proud of our work, and I always want to make you proud of my work.”

Spielberg’s assertion about The Godfather rings true, as it encapsulates a uniquely American tragedy that revolves around the idealistic character Michael Corleone (portrayed by Al Pacino). Michael is drawn into the violent underworld that his father, Vito (played by Marlon Brando), the patriarch of the Corleone family, had always hoped he could escape. This transformation of Michael from a decorated war hero to a cold-blooded mafia boss illustrates a sobering critique of the American Dream, highlighting its tendency to reward immorality over nobility.

The Godfather Sheds Light on the Dark Side of the American Dream

Michael’s Transformation Represents the Heart of This Darkness

The intricate layers of The Godfather‘s narrative delve far beyond the conventional elements found in typical gangster pulp fiction. At its core, the film prioritizes the theme of family over the usual mafia tropes. Furthermore, The Godfather meticulously underscores the violent sacrifices associated with immense power, as evidenced by the gradual erosion of Michael’s humanity as he evolves into the ruthless leader of the family throughout the film.

Many of us are already intimately familiar with The Godfather‘s compelling narrative, yet we often overlook how the film skillfully subverts our expectations through Michael’s descent into darkness. At the outset, Michael is portrayed as the antithesis to the Corleone legacy; he is a celebrated war hero clad in U.S. military attire, clearly expressing to his girlfriend Kay (Diane Keaton) that he wants nothing to do with his family’s criminal activities. However, this moral high ground collapses when his father’s life is endangered, propelling him into a path of damnation fueled by loyalty to his family. With such a gripping and awe-inspiring narrative, it’s no surprise that Spielberg remarked that The Godfather made him contemplate giving up directing altogether.

Decoding the Meaning Behind The Godfather’s “I Believe In America” Opening Line

Bonasera’s Statement Represents the Declaration of America’s Promises

As Bonasera utters those chilling words during the opening of The Godfather, he is voicing a desperate plea to the embodiment of the darker side of the American Dream, Don Vito Corleone. Having been betrayed by the legal system, Bonasera turns to Don Corleone, a figure of honor who has constructed his empire through fear and violence. Like Michael, Bonasera finds that justice eludes him within the confines of the law, compelling him to resort to morally questionable means to protect those he loves.

The essence of Bonasera’s declaration is laden with cynicism; for many individuals, especially immigrants, the pathway to justice remains obstructed by systemic issues such as corruption and discrimination. Thus, alternative routes to resolution become enticing, often at a severe, immoral cost. Spielberg’s assertion that The Godfather is America’s greatest film may hold weight, as the film features a brilliantly assembled cast and a cohesive narrative that has significantly impacted society, much like the iconic 1972 classic.