The Godfather in 1972: A Different Tale?
The Godfather in 1972: A Different Tale?
What if the iconic 1972 film, The Godfather, had depicted the lives and struggles of the Corleone family in the 1970s instead of 1945? This hypothetical scenario invites us to explore how the dynamics of power, morality, and illegality would have evolved over a twenty-seven-year span. From the absence of drug trade subplots to the cultural shifts in sexuality, attire, hairstyles, and music, the film’s narrative and characters would have taken on a distinctly different flavor.
Shifts in Thesis: Drug Trade and Business
One significant difference would be the absence of a subplot about the big boss opposing the drug trade. By 1972, the Mafia had deeply entrenched itself in the illegal importation and distribution of heroin, which it had been doing since the 1940s. In this timeframe, the notion of a Don who fights against the drug trade would have been absurd; the Mafiosi had long embraced their role as suppliers and sellers. Instead, the focus would have been entirely on the financial gains and the consequences of such a lucrative business. This would have shifted the narrative to a more money-focused narrative around heroin sales and distribution.
Cultural and Social Changes
The 1972 version of The Godfather would have seen a significant contrast in the socio-cultural landscape. Sexual norms, hairstyles, and fashion would have undergone substantial transformations. A young Michael Corleone returning from the Vietnam War, rather than WWII, would have capitalized on the new post-war generation that was more permissive and countercultural. The cultural shifts would have had a profound impact on the characters and their relationships, making the plot more aligned with the zeitgeist of the 1970s.
Impact on Secondary Characters and Subplots
The absence of an anti-drug trade subplot would also force re-evaluation of the relationship dynamics and subplots within the film. Marital tensions, family dynamics, and the loyalty of the sons would have been driven by the drugs rather than a symbolic battle against them. Connie’s struggles with her husband and her father’s business would have taken on a new dimension. Her relationship with Carlo would have been colored by the immense profits and the corruption that came with it. Reggie, Michael, and Fredo’s roles would have significantly changed as well, becoming more entwined with the drug trade and the new business opportunities it presented.
Music and Cinematography
The music and cinematography in the new version would undoubtedly have been vastly different. The iconic themes, particularly Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, evocative of the timeless and somewhat melancholic nature of the Corleones, would have been replaced by more contemporary musical motifs. The cinematography might have incorporated more vibrant and colorful scenes, reflecting the iconic but outdated look of the 1940s. The montages and action sequences would have been updated to align with the ‘70s aesthetic, with a blend of gritty realism and stylized violence that characterized the 1972 genre.
Conclusion
The 1972 version of The Godfather would have been a markedly different film, reflecting the changing socio-political climate and advancing technological and social trends. While it would have been more grounded in real-world issues and events, it would have lost some of the timeless and mystique inherent in the original. Nevertheless, such a film would still capture the essence of a period in American history, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of organized crime and the underworld. Would this alternative storyline have deepened or altered the audience’s understanding of the Corleone family’s complex legacy? That remains to be seen.