Gender Roles in Films during the 1970s

During the 1970s, one major motion picture changed Hollywood completely was The Godfather. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece broke many of the norms that the industry had adhered to for decades. It was revolutionary in its depiction of violence, greed and the corruption of the American Dream. Perhaps equally as revolutionary as the film’s themes are the varying personalities of the Corleone family, from both genders. Each character in the film seems to allegorize a certain personality trait that is common in each gender.

On the male sides, I want to discuss the three Corleone brothers. They have only one thing in common: their last name. They are completely different in their thoughts, ideals and actions. The eldest, Sonny, is fiercely protective of his loved ones. His world is black and white, divided between those who can aid his family and those who are a threat. However, his most dominant characteristic is his violent temper. His deep love for his family makes him a very easy man to infuriate. Both of these characteristics prove to be his downfall, as his opponents use his well-known reputation to lore him into a trap. The middle brother is Fredo. He is constantly seen as the weakest link in the family. His mistakes cost the family dearly, and the failures damage his own self esteem as much they damage others. Eventually he is sent away for his own protection. Michael is probably the most complex of the three characters. When The Godfather starts out. Michael is attempting to distance himself from the reputation his family has, going so far as to enlist in the Marine Corps. However changing circumstances and violence force his inner self to be unleashed and he becomes the ruthless Capo di Tutti Capi of the American Mob, who only seeks to further his own goals no matter what the cost.

Accurately describing the female characters in The Godfather is no easy task. Michael is married twice in the film, and both women are equally unique and dynamic. His first wife is the gentle Sicilian country girl, Appolonia. At first cautious of Michael’s advances, she warms up to him and exposes her true self. She is depicted as being humorous and flirty. She is slightly naïve, but that is because of her sheltered upbringing. She greatly loves and admires her husband without truly knowing him. Michael’s second wife can almost be confused as a modern woman. Kay is smart and free thinking. She is not afraid to speak her mind and often questions her Husband’s actions. Unlike Appolonia, Kay marries Michael after years of dating, so she truly understands her husband and attempts to turn him from his violent ambitions.

By showcasing such diversity in his film, Coppola depicts an accurate and realistic portrayal of the time. Most movies tend to highlight certain aspects of genders, often exaggerating them to the point of inaccuracy. The success of The Godfather may be attributed to the fact that a viewers see an image of themselves in one of the various characters.