By: Sara Grosso
There is no question, The Godfather is considered one of the greatest films the industry has pushed out. With an incredible cast, great writing, and an on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of story, it’s hard not to get sucked into this classic piece of cinema. But what if we haven’t unraveled all the layers of this rich film? What if there was an analysis we skipped over? What if I proposed that The Godfather could be considered a feminist film?
Now I know you definitely think I’m crazy because this is a HEAVILY white, straight, cisgender, male-dominated film. It’s literally about the patriarchy at its best (worst?). This is a fact. I do recognize that. But, isn’t the whole point of feminism that we are all equal? Even white, straight, cisgender men? Don’t we have to include them? Doesn’t their seat at the table have to be just as big as ours?
If you’ve never seen The Godfather, I will generously give you a brief summary. The movie is centered around the Mafia, specifically the Corleone family, which is based on one of the most powerful mob families at the time. Yes, there is a lot of violence. Yes, there are unethical politics involving the police. Yes, a horse's head does end up in some guy's bed. But, you get the point. What I believe goes unnoticed is the quite respectable and admirable interactions that occur among themen. If we want to criticize men for immediately being physically forceful in conflict and for starting all of the wars in history because they can’t “talk it out”, then I believe the Corleone family is the standard they should be held to. These men are so goddamn articulate! Like really, just handling all of these extremely illegal matters with civil conversation before even resorting to any kind of violence. Men talking their problems out…. so refreshing! I would say the best quote I can provide as evidence is when Michael Corleone softly says “Don’t tell me you're innocent because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry.” Are we labeling our feelings? Are we almost using “I feel” statements?? Someone must be tapping into their femininity to be that calm when he’s having some big emotions! I acknowledge that the bar is dangerously close to the floor at this point. I must also accept that none of the women are included in the ‘family business’ whatsoever because it’s not considered proper for them to be a part of it. Still, MEN USING THEIR WORDS!!! IT’S NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!
To begin including women in the conversation now, let’s talk about how the men will do anything for their beloved female family members. There is a scene where one of the sister’s husbands tells her to shut up at the dinner table. Obviously, women have nothing of value to add to the dinner table conversation. Her, heroic brother Sonny, a very prominent member of the ‘family business’, doesn’t hesitate to correct the bastard and make it clear it is not acceptable to speak to his sister in that way. A flooring scene. No degrading language at the dinner table for these men! Well… at least not when the women are present. That language is much too harsh for their fragile ears to bear! Now, I understand that the men act this way not because they see the women as human beings, but as their property they have to defend. BUT could it also be argued that these guys are “for the girls”? I think so! I mean men still think women are property today, but at least these men had some damn manners, you know?
I guess I also have to acknowledge that the only purpose of the women in this movie is to be caregivers to the men in some way. The only time you ever see them is if they are cooking, or cleaning, or getting married. But… like… the men! They greet each other by kissing! That’s good, right? And like, yeah the women who are not considered to be a part of the family are hurt or even killed in the crossfire of the family affairs, but… well I don’t really have an excuse for that one. That’s actually really bad. I guess the cons do actually outweigh the pros for my claim. So… I guess it’s not actually a feminist film. Just disregard this article, all movies are written by men to entice women to come to the theater. They showcase ideal men and get us horned up right before we go home to our regular non-mafia boyfriends, who don’t even offer to punch that guy who catcalled us on the street.
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