Stereotypes in Hollywood: The Role of Race and Ethnicity in 'The Godfather'

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film 'The Godfather' is how it navigated the complex landscape of race and ethnicity in Hollywood. Often, when dealing with Italian-American Mafia characters, there was a strong tendency to cast actors who had Italian heritage. However, the dirigent Francis Ford Coppola and the production team made a conscious decision to choose the best actors available for each role regardless of their ethnic background, ensuring the highest possible quality and authenticity.

Breaking Stereotypes: James Caan and Abe Vigoda

Both James Caan and Abe Vigoda were of Jewish descent. This might seem at odds with the fact that 'The Godfather' is an Italian-American story. Similarly, Marlon Brando had no Italian heritage, despite some believing he appeared to be Italian. His last name ending in an vowel did not make him Italian, and he played Michael Corleone in one of the most iconic film depictions of the Italian-American Mafia.

Why Not Limiting Roles to Italians?

Limiting the roles to only Italians would have excluded some of the best actors in the film. Additionally, such a practice could have led to discrimination lawsuits against the film studio, Paramount. The key consideration in casting was to ensure the best actors were in the roles. A good actor can portray any character effectively.

Successful Non-Italian Actors in 'The Godfather'

Some of the most successful actors in 'The Godfather' were not Italian, but their performances convinced audiences they were. Marlon Brando and James Caan, while not of Italian heritage, managed to make their characters feel authentically Italian. In fact, an Italian organization once tried to award James Caan 'Italian of the Year,' despite him being of German descent!

Authenticity in Casting

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola wanted to create a more authentically Italian movie than those that had been made about the Sicilian mafia before. To achieve this, the production team included non-Italian actors in supporting roles, such as Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, and Diane Keaton. For the critical role of Michael Corleone, Coppola wanted a talented young actor named Al Pacino over a more established actor. Paramount initially wanted Robert Redford in the role, but his distinct look made him less suitable for the part.

Conclusion

'The Godfather' serves as a prime example of how race and ethnicity can be navigated in the film industry with a focus on casting the best actors for the roles. This approach not only enhances the quality of the film but also breaks down stereotypes. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, 'Acting is the art of convincing people that you are really a character in a story that is being lived, and you are not simply a man on a stage or a movie screen.'

References

#1 Francis Ford Coppola: Wikipedia page on Francis Ford Coppola
#2 Marlon Brando: Wikipedia page on Marlon Brando
#3 James Caan: Wikipedia page on James Caan
#4 Abe Vigoda: Wikipedia page on Abe Vigoda
#5 Robert Duvall: Wikipedia page on Robert Duvall
#6 Sterling Hayden: Wikipedia page on Sterling Hayden
#7 Diane Keaton: Wikipedia page on Diane Keaton
#8 Al Pacino: Wikipedia page on Al Pacino
#9 Robert Redford: Wikipedia page on Robert Redford