The Godfather is a masterpiece of cinema that has transcended its source material, the novel by Mario Puzo. While both the book and the film tell the same story of the Corleone family, a powerful crime dynasty in America, there are significant differences between them that affect the tone, style, and impact of the narrative.
One of the main differences is the focus and depth of the characters. The book gives more background and detail about many minor characters, such as Johnny Fontane, Lucy Mancini, Jack Woltz, and Fabrizio. These characters have subplots that explore their personal lives, motivations, and relationships with the Corleones. The film, on the other hand, concentrates more on the main characters, especially Vito and Michael Corleone. The film cuts out or reduces many scenes that involve the secondary characters, making them more peripheral to the main plot.
Another difference is the portrayal of Vito Corleone, the Godfather himself. The book depicts him as a ruthless and cunning leader who uses violence and intimidation to achieve his goals. He is also shown as a loving father who wants to protect his sons from the dangers of his business. The film, however, emphasizes his charisma and wisdom more than his brutality. He is played by Marlon Brando, who gives him a softer and more dignified appearance. He is also more sympathetic and compassionate to his enemies and allies.
A third difference is the style and tone of the narrative. The book is written in a pulp fiction style, with graphic descriptions of sex and violence. It also uses an omniscient narrator who switches between different perspectives and reveals the thoughts and feelings of various characters. The film, however, uses a more cinematic style, with visual elements such as lighting, music, and editing to create mood and atmosphere. It also uses a more limited point of view, mostly following Michael Corleone’s journey from an outsider to a successor.
In conclusion, The Godfather book and movie are both great works of art that have different strengths and weaknesses. The book is more detailed and explicit, while the film is more focused and elegant. The book gives more insight into the characters and their motivations, while the film gives more impact to the action and drama. The book is more realistic and gritty, while the film is more artistic and poetic. Both versions are worth reading and watching for fans of crime fiction.
