Analysis of the use of lighting in THE GODFATHER

I am writing about the use of lighting in the opening scene of The Godfather, (1). The photography of The Godfather as an entire film is very planned and used specifically to generate moods, and have great psychological affect. This is just as true for the very first series of shots for the film, and perhaps more important since these first shots will give the audience the initial feeling of the film, and set a tone …

…we see. I cant think of any way I would change the lighting in this opening scene, as I believe it was done with no real error. The light use made me react in the way I believe the audience was intended to react, and that is all that is necessary. I think The Godfather is an excellent example of the use of creative lighting to develop the narrative story in ways only it can.