The Godfather Part 1 & 2
Organized crime groups operate as self-perpetuating associations that work illegally. The film “The Godfather” presents an act that allows one to consider mafia as a group of ordinary people who engage in gradual engagement in organized crime (OC). A character like Marlon Brando emerges as a sympathetic and reasonable character but later turns violent. Because the film “The Godfather” presents a case of OC, it features theories of OC and social control, differential association, LNC structure, and crime families.
Part one of the film “The Godfather” reveals the role of theories of OC. In the meeting episode, the mafia group discusses exercise power through illegal means (Coppola, 1972). In this case, the godfather intends to use brutal force to ensure that people grant him respect. The concept of the “Queer ladder of mobility” described in the theories of OC states that criminal groups use unfair means to acquire power. Thus, “The Godfather” shows the application theories of OC.
Part one of the film “The Godfather” depicts the application of social control theory in OC. The wedding scene shows that the members of the mafia group have close family ties and seek to protect their relatives (Coppola, 1972). In this case, the scene shows the failure of the social control theory. Instead of the family preventing crime, it focuses on protecting the members through illegal means. Thus, “The Godfather” shows a failed application of the social control theory.
Part one of the film “The Godfather” affirms the application of Sutherland’s differential association. In the meeting episode, people with a common goal appear to hang together (Coppola, 1972). The scene affirms the concept of differential association, which states that people relate with colleagues who influence their behavior. The godfather interacts with other individuals and teaches them the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior. This film affirms the role of the differential association in promoting crime.
Part 2 of the movie “The Godfather” shows that the mafia group relies on La Cosa Nostra (LCN). The crime boss is the leader and sole decision-maker in the mafia family (Coppola, 1972). Such facts show that the killer family relied on an LCN structure where a boss led other individuals. The LCN structure enhances the ability to maintain authority and power. Thus, the movie “The Godfather” presents a case where the mafia family relies on LCN structure.
Part 2 of the movie “The Godfather” represents a historical concept where crime families focused on establishing their authority. Don Vito Corleone appears as an understanding and admirable character who supports his community (Coppola, 1972). Corleone’s personality allows him to become an influential member of his community. Besides, he represents a case where powerful families monopolize others through corrupt means. Thus, the film “The Godfather” presents a historical concept where crime families use unethical means to establish authority.
In summary, the film “The Godfather” presents a case of OC. A mafia family uses unethical means to establish their authority. The film reveals the application of theories of OC and social control. Besides, it features some concepts like differential association, LNC structure, and crime families that use unethical means to establish power.
References
Coppola, F. F. (1972, March 24). The Godfather. Retrieved from IMDb website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/