Analysis of Key Elements in the Opening Sequence of "Higher English
The opening sequence of "Higher English" delves into the intricate themes of control, power, deception, and the clash between Italian tradition and American values. Through the characters and dialogues, the sequence explores concepts of justice, violence, crime, corruption, honor, family, and the American Dream. The use of visuals and soundtracks intensifies the portrayal of isolation, loneliness, and the complex dynamics within the Italian mafia community. Bonasera's monologue serves as a focal point, revealing the struggles faced by immigrants in embracing American customs while upholding traditional values. The sequence offers a deep insight into the contrasting beliefs and dilemmas present in the narrative.
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Higher English Opening Sequence
Soundtrack Blank screen causes us to focus purely on the soundtrack Solitary jazz trumpet = Godfather theme Signifies isolation of mafia Don who doesn t know who to trust Melancholy tone heightens sense of loneliness
Puppet Symbolism Puppet strings symbolise control, power and deception Father = head of family Hierarchy of Italian mafia Bold contrast of black and white
Opening Lines I believe in America Immediate introduction of American Dream an illusion (at least to immigrant population) We focus on Bonasera s slow paced monologue No soundtrack now
Bonasera America s made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in American fashion. I gave her freedom and I taught her never to dishonour my family. Italian tradition vs. America values Honour = central to Italian community
Bonasera His monologue introduces all the central concerns: Justice Violence Crime Corruption Honour Family American Dream etc.
Bonasera not an Italian Italian tradition vs. America values Disdain for those outside the community Bonasera was willing to adopt American customs his daughter has freedom to go on unchaperoned date. As a consequence she has suffered a violent assault and has been left maimed Raises important point about violence and danger in American society By contrast Corleone family retain Sicilian traditions
Bonasera For justice we must go to Corleone. Italian tradition vs. America values & Justice Contradiction to opening statement No longer believes in American dream/justice Bonasera must reject and turn away from American values to ask for help Questions effectiveness of American courts in dealing with violence against immigrant community Gives insight into what the Italian community think of Corleone someone who fixes things
Bonasera Why did you go to the police? Why didn t you come to me first? Italian tradition vs. America values & Justice Vito s opening line immediately highlights corruption and his role as Don Questions Bonasera s loyalty and respect Mafia culture has separate set of values from American
Justice Challenges perceptions of justice Misdemeanours should be repaid in kind : Old Testament eye for and eye, tooth for a tooth definition Bonasera whispers request highlighting secrecy and crime Sets up template for the film: illegal activity done in shadows That s not justice your daughter is still alive. Offers money Vito ignores this and turns his back; he wants loyalty as payment We re not murderers
Justice Bonasera offers loyalty in exchange for violence Kisses Don respectful symbol of hierarchy cementing his rejection of American culture in turn for Italian justice/community Dialogue from film poster: Someday, and that day may never come. I ll call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, accept this as a gift on my daughter s wedding day. Cannot refuse a request on this day Italian tradition Bonasera subservient
Mise-en-scene Low key, dim lighting casting shadows creates enigmatic sense of dangerous Clandestine atmosphere of secrecy creates tension Cat stroking cat shows comfort and control in this role. Cats are cunning, symbolic of his strength, metaphorical meaning: large powerful figure exercising control over, small animal Desk as barrier Brown palette, room is a grand, opulent office representative of wealth, power and status Costume grand suit, disguised danger, power, status Red rose threatening, dangerous Shadows mystery, corruption, illegal
Sound Quiet no soundtrack intimating that they do not want to be heard reinforcing secrecy Calm tone of Vito s voice laid back, not a stranger to crime Whispers secrecy All violence is dressed in euphemism
Editing Slow editing indicates control over situation
Camera Close up of Bonesera steadily moves backwards He becomes smaller and smaller as his confidence diminishes In contrast we have the growing figure of the shadowy Vito (GREAT INTRO AND INSIGHT INTO HIS CHARACTER! HIDDEN. PROTECTED. AUTHORITY. MYSTERY etc.) Becomes an over the shoulder shot Low angles indicating dominance, he is taller making him more threatening Long shot od room Vito at the centre of frame. Illustrates superiority two men protecting him
Montage Contrast between public image and private business Montage and juxtaposition of wedding vs. office scenes Brightly lit family scenes/community of legitimacy vs. dark, shadowed corrupt business
Camera Close up of Bonesera steadily moves backwards He becomes smaller and smaller as his confidence diminishes In contrast we have the growing figure of the shadowy Vito (GREAT INTRO AND INSIGHT INTO HIS CHARACTER! HIDDEN. PROTECTED. AUTHORITY. MYSTERY etc.) Becomes an over the shoulder shot Low angles indicating dominance, he is taller making him more threatening Long shot od room Vito at the centre of frame. Illustrates superiority two men protecting him
Juxtaposition Wedding Office Bright, daylight Dark, shadows Jovial, celebratory, lively Hushed, secretive, serious and sinister Public Private Soundtrack No soundtrack Chatting, laughter, singing, dancing traditional Sicilian wedding Conversation has purpose, violent undertones Women Men Family Business Legitimate Illegal, corrupt
Sonny First seen standing behind father indicative of his position: eldest son, next in line, foreshadows his rise to power Immediate tension between Sonny and his wife Lack of restraint cheats on his wife, spits on FBI car, smashes camera Impulsive, hot-headed, violent and reckless
Michael War hero Immediate stands out as different from family Costume sets him out as American Arrives late Treats Kay as equal speaks candidly about family business and makes blunt admission of family violence and corruption Typically American second generation Italian-American Rejects family business That s my family Kay. That s not me.
Fredo Weakest middle brother Drunk when initially introduced Uneasy in role overshadowed by older brother s reckless passion and younger brother s unshakeable confidence Moved to Las Vegas and masks his discomfort and insecurity with alcohol and women
Tom Hagen Adoptive brother not Sicilian Consigliere lawyer, confidante, chief advisor Intricately involved in family business but not violent does not get his hands dirty Aids the image of legitimacy Sometimes the voice of reason Overly cautious
Kay Adams Initially Michael s girlfriend, later his second wife All America girl costume in opening signifies a less demure, traditional women opposing the quiet, passive Italian women Silent during Michal admission love blinds her? Michael brings her into the family picture involves her, brings her into the family
