The Godfather: An unintentional food film

The Godfather, a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. But underneath all the violence, politics, and family drama lies a hidden theme that is often overlooked.

From the very first scene, food plays a significant role in setting the tone for the movie. We see a close-up of a man's hand as he prepares to make an offer that can't be refused, and what is he doing? Peeling an orange. Now, oranges may not seem like a big deal, but they appear several times throughout the film as a subtle nod to the impending danger and violence that is about to unfold. It's a warning that things are about to turn for the worst. The contrast between the vibrant orange colour and the dark, ominous mood of the scene is striking, and it's a testament to the power of cinematography to create atmosphere and tension.

Several scenes revolve around food, even if they don't seem all that important at first glance. For example, in the iconic scene where Michael and his future wife Apollonia go to a small café in Italy, they share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and it's a seemingly innocent moment of young love. However, this scene serves as an important turning point in Michael's character development. He's finally starting to embrace his Italian heritage, which will eventually lead him down the path of becoming the Godfather himself.

Let's not forget about when Clemenza teaches Michael how to make spaghetti sauce. It's a light-hearted moment that provides some levity in an otherwise tense movie, but it's also a great example of how food can bring people together. The lighting is warm and cozy, creating a sense of intimacy and comfort that is a welcome respite from the violence and drama of the rest of the movie.

But the food themes in The Godfather aren't just limited to Italian cuisine. When Tom Hagen meets with the movie producer and orders a scotch and soda, the producer insists on serving him a "California champagne". This moment highlights the clash between old-world tradition and new-world trends and how something as simple as a drink order can be a sign of disrespect.

In the infamous wedding scene, we see table after table piled high with food. From roast pigs to giant platters of fruit, the abundance of food symbolises the Corleone family's wealth and power. Plus, it's a great reminder that nothing brings people together quite like a good meal.

The Godfather may not be the first movie in a list of food films, but upon closer inspection, it's clear that food plays a significant role in shaping the story and characters. From the oranges that foreshadow impending danger to the spaghetti that brings people together, food is woven throughout the movie in subtle yet significant ways.

Always remember – “Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli”