It is intriguing that the leader of a gang could be the hero of the movie, but using the definitions, it is true. Because he is so powerful, many people would like him dead, and it makes him courageous for even showing his face in public.
The definition of a "hero" using Classical Mythology is the most interesting, and connects well with The Don. The fact that his nickname is The Godfather, and a hero is "a being of godlike prowess", it is evident that Coppola wanted to portray The Godfather as a hero in his movie.
There is the disadvantage that you had not watched very much of the movie when this post was written, but many of the points you have made are definitely valid. You have written yourself that "it is hard to distinguish the hero of the movie", and you have chosen Vito Corleone as the hero of the story.
ReplyDeleteFrom the title of the story and the alternate name of Vito Corleone, "The Godfather", it is understandable how it may be thought he is the hero of the story. He is as "courageous" and "powerful" as any man could ever become; however, these seemingly hero-like characteristics raises a question: how is Vito Corleone to develop or progress further? He is already at the top of the family; he is basically a god. Referring to the Campbellian version of the Hero's Journey, how the Godfather is characterised makes him a hero―a hero who has returned from his journey.
"Who is the real hero of the Godfather?" This is the question you have asked yourself, and although Vito Corleone may fit under the dictionary definitions of a hero, I disagree with him being the hero of this film. It is easier to say so once the crucial hospital scene had been seen, but this is a conclusion which could have been derived from just the first few scenes Coppola has showed us.
There has only been one character who was unfitting and different from all other characters, separated from all as evident through clothing, actions, and social status. Don Corleone may be powerful, yet is illogical for the film to be about his development; Michael looks, acts, and is 'special', and he has the room above him to grow. Furthermore, it has been stated that Michael is a "war hero". Considering these points, it could be thought that Michael is the hero and protagonist of the story even without watching more of the story.
Nice work Andrew. Nice syntax variety and some interesting ideas. So here is another question: why are we so interested in heroes?
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