The Godfather's Iconic Opening Line Took On A New Meaning Almost 30 Years Later

The Godfather's Iconic Opening Line Took On A New Meaning Almost 30 Years Later Bonasera whispering to Don Corleone in The Godfather By  Craig Elvy Published 9 minutes ago Craig began contributing to Screen Rant in 2016 and has been ranting ever since, mostly to himself in a darkened room. After previously writing for various outlets, Craig's focus turned to TV and film, where a steady upbringing of science fiction and comic books finally became useful. Craig has previously been published by sites such as Den of Geek. Craig is an approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-elvy-5b31a3381/ Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

When it comes to iconic opening movie lines, it's difficult to look past The Godfather. Combined with the oppressive lighting from cinematographer Gordon Willis and the gradual zoom out orchestrated by director Francis Ford Coppola, "I believe in America" remains an untouchable quote in movie history.

The true genius of the line is the contradiction it creates. Bonasera's unyielding belief in the American dream tempered by a request for Don Corleone, a mafia boss, to provide justice. Like The Godfather as a whole, the line speaks to the hope of America, as well as its institutional failings, especially in terms of the immigrant experience.

The rich meaning behind The Godfather's "I believe in America" line unfolds over the course of the movie, but in a dark twist that Francis Ford Coppola and writer Mario Puzo never originally intended, the line takes on a whole new meaning thanks to The Godfather Part III's ending.

How The Godfather Trilogy's Final Moments Change The Meaning Behind "I Believe In America"

Vito Corleone with his arm around Bonasera in The Godfather

Through Bonasera and Don Corleone, The Godfather depicts two opposing perspectives of America as the "land of opportunity." Bonasera is legitimate, plays by the book, honors the law, and hopes he'll receive the same honesty and respect in return. Don Corleone does none of those things, and instead seizes the fruits of America, distrusting its leaders and the system they created.

The Godfather's opening scene reveals the biggest difference between the two men: the Corleone family's aura of intimidation means no one would dare hurt them the way Bonasera's daughter is hurt, and those who try would pay dearly (see Carlo, Connie's abusive husband). It's this very aura Bonasera hopes to borrow after legitimate justice eludes him.

Bonasera's assumption about the Corleone family's circle of protection largely proves true. Sonny is killed, but only while the Don is out of action. Sonny is also a high-ranking member of the family, not a civilian. And in The Godfather Part II, Fredo dies by his brother's hand, not some assailant from outside. Carlo is killed in retaliation for assaulting Connie, and Moe Greene is killed (partly) for striking Fredo, although both acts of retribution are orchestrated more by Michael than Vito.

Then Mary Corleone is killed in The Godfather Part III. The saga comes full circle with two men angry and devastated at being unable to protect their daughters from harm: Bonasera at the start and Michael at the very end.

Suddenly, the mood around "I believe in America" shifts. In the first movie, Bonasera's optimistic faith looks naive because he requires the mafia to step in where America fails, but by the end of The Godfather Part III, Michael's relentless pursuit of the American dream results in the death of his beloved daughter.

1972's original The Godfather depicts America's ideals as well-meaning but tainted. The events of the third movie suggest they're actually unattainable - a classic no-win scenario. The legitimate are targeted by the system; the gangsters target themselves. That message is there from the very beginning of Vito's story, but Mary being killed hammers home in no uncertain terms that Bonasera's path and Corleone's path both end in sadness.

How "I Believe In America" Separates Michael Corleone From His Father

Al Pacino as old Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part 3

The point of Mary Corleone's death - as well as Fredo's in The Godfather Part II - is how Michael takes the American dream too far. Filled with ambition and grand designs, Michael elevates the Corleone name to new heights until he's sitting at the same table as the Pope. Michael is consumed by the American promise of opportunities, and only realizes his sacrifice after it's too late.

When Vito led the Corleone family, the business was much smaller in scale, and while that meant less money and power, it allowed Vito to keep tighter control over his world. Mary's death in The Godfather Part III is a direct result of Michael losing control over his world, so it could be said that Vito had a far better grasp of what "believing in America" should mean. Not Bonasera's misplaced trust in politicians and governments in The Godfather, nor Michael's ceaseless pursuit of material wealth, but a cunning reliance on oneself and a constant emphasis on family over business.

241 9.4/10 9/10

The Godfather

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed R Drama Crime Release Date March 24, 1972 Runtime 175 minutes Director Francis Ford Coppola Writers Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola Producers Albert S. Ruddy, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans 8 Images Marlon Brando in The Godfather opening sceneAl Pacino as Michael Corleone in The GodfatherMichael in Sicily in The GodfatherA car explodes in The GodfatherAl Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather looking disappointedTom Hagen eating at Jack Woltz's house in The GodfatherMarlon Brando as Vito looking worried in The GodfatherClemenza with fellow mobsters in The Godfather copyClose

Cast

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• Marlon Brando Don Vito Corleone
• Al Pacino Michael Corleone

Sequel(s) The Godfather Part II, The Godfather Part III Franchise(s) The Godfather Genres Drama, Crime Powered by Expand Collapse

• The Godfather

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