Establishing Theme Select A Movie From AFI’s Top 10 L 574655

Establishing Theme Select a movie from AFI’s 10 Top 10 lists and explain

Establishing Theme Select a movie from AFI’s 10 Top 10 lists and explain how three cinematic techniques and/or design elements have helped establish a major theme in that film. Note: While you are allowed to choose a film that does not come from the AFI lists, you are strongly encouraged to email your professor to receive approval before doing so. In 800 to 1200 words Describe a major theme of the movie you have selected using evidence from the movie itself as well as course resources and other scholarly sources to support your position. Identify at least three techniques (cinematography, lighting, acting style, or direction) and/or design elements (set design, costuming, or hair and makeup), and explain how these techniques and/or design elements contribute to the establishment of the theme.

Reference particular scenes or sequences in your explanations. State your opinion regarding the mise en scène, including how the elements work together, how congruent the design elements are with the theme of the movie, and whether or not other techniques would be as effective (explain your reasoning). Note: Remember that a theme is an overarching idea that recurs throughout the plot of a film. It is the distilled essence of what the film is about, the main design which the specific scenes and actions lead a viewer to understand. Your paper should be organized around a thesis statement that focuses on how the elements of your chosen feature-length film both establish and maintain one of its major themes. The paper must be 800 to 1200 words in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

Choosing the right film to explore a major theme through cinematic techniques is essential for a comprehensive analysis. For this paper, I selected the film The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, a quintessential example from AFI’s Top 10 list for the greatest American films. The film's overarching theme revolves around power, family loyalty, and the corrupting influence of crime. This analysis will demonstrate how cinematography, lighting, and costume design collaboratively establish and reinforce this central theme, supported by scenes that exemplify these techniques.

Firstly, the cinematography in The Godfather plays a significant role in emphasizing the film's themes. The use of framing and camera angles enhances the portrayal of authority and secrecy. For instance, the iconic opening scene uses a close-up shot of Don Vito Corleone’s face during his daughter's wedding. The tight framing isolates his expression, conveying his power and control within both his family and criminal enterprise. Additionally, Gordon Willis’s use of low-key lighting creates shadows that symbolize the moral ambiguity and duality present in the characters. The chiaroscuro lighting, especially in scenes involving the interior of the Corleone compound, underscores the underlying darkness of their world and the seduction of power. Scenes shot in dimly lit rooms, such as the meeting in the garden where power negotiations occur, visually embody the clandestine and threatening atmosphere that is integral to the film’s theme.

Secondly, lighting techniques further deepen the thematic exploration of crime’s corrupting influence. The film’s signature use of low-key lighting emphasizes shadows, giving the film a noir aesthetic that visually communicates themes of moral corruption and concealment. For example, during Michael Corleone’s transformation from a reluctant outsider to a mafia boss, the lighting shifts from naturalistic daytime scenes to more shadow-filled nighttime scenes. This progression visually signifies his moral descent and the corrupting nature of power. The contrasting use of light and dark not only accentuates character development but also symbolizes the blurred lines between good and evil, reinforcing the central theme of moral ambiguity.

Thirdly, costume and set design contribute to establishing the film’s themes by visually reinforcing characters’ identities and moral positions. The meticulous costumes, especially the mafia suits worn by the Corleone family members, serve as visual symbols of their status, authority, and allegiance. The formal wear signifies power and tradition, aligning with the film’s portrayal of the mafia as a family bound by loyalty and rituals. The sets, particularly the interior of the Corleone estate, evoke a sense of stability and ancestral roots, emphasizing the importance of family legacy. The contrast between the luxurious, well-appointed living spaces and the darker, more threatening environments highlight the duality between appearances and reality—a core theme of secrecy and deception within organized crime.

In integrating these techniques, Coppola creates a cohesive mise en scène that supports the film’s central theme. The visual elements work together seamlessly—lighting accentuates mood, cinematography frames characters’ power dynamics, and costume design visually communicates status and allegiance. The congruence of these elements with the overarching theme of power, loyalty, and morality creates a compelling and immersive experience for viewers. If other techniques, such as a different style of editing or sound design, were employed, they might not be as effective in visually reinforcing the thematic motifs that the current techniques support.

In conclusion, The Godfather exemplifies how cinematic techniques and design elements can establish and reinforce a film’s major theme. The cinematography’s framing and composition, lighting’s shadowy contrasts, and costume/set design all collaborate to immerse viewers in the moral complexities and power struggles faced by the characters. These elements are not isolated but work in tandem, creating a powerful mise en scène that underscores the film’s exploration of morality, loyalty, and corruption, making it a masterpiece aligned with the themes it seeks to convey.

References

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• Moloney, K. (2021). Mise en scène in film: A comprehensive guide. McGraw-Hill Education.
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• Francis Ford Coppola. (1972). The Godfather [Film]. Paramount Pictures.