The Real Mafia's Reaction to The Godfather: Fact or Fiction?

The 1972 cinematic masterpiece, The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and adapted from the renowned novel by Mario Puzo, remains a cultural icon in pop culture. Many are curious about the real-life reactions of the Mafia to this film adaptation. Did the Mafia really object to the portrayal of their lifestyle? Or did they appreciate the opportunity to shine a light on their world?

Did the Real Mafia Object to The Godfather?

Contrary to what some may believe, there is no solid evidence that the Mafia actively opposed The Godfather. In fact, many members of the Mafia actually appreciated the movie and saw it as an opportunity to correct misconceptions and shape the public perception of their world. The film was both a massive commercial success and critically acclaimed.

Surprising Reception

Mario Puzo, the author of the book, likely never expected the positive reception from the Mafia. He reportedly experienced a large number of Mafia members congratulating him and expressing how much they enjoyed the book and the subsequent film. This indicates a level of satisfaction with the portrayal, rather than disapproval.

Some real-life Mafioso even sought to participate in the film, reflecting their appreciation for the project. The movie offered a platform to present their world in a more positive light, combating the negative stereotypes often perpetuated by media.

Protests and Backlash?

While there were concerns, the extent of any organized response remains debated. Some sources mention reports of threats against the film’s producers and cast, but there is little concrete evidence to support these claims. There were also instances of mobsters attempting to monopolize theater attendance, preventing others from seeing the movie. However, these actions appear more aligned with commercial concerns than any organized backlash.

The production team eventually met with representatives of the Mafia, and in exchange for omitting the word 'Mafia' from the movie, the mob guys backed off. This compromise was seen as a win for all parties involved, as it allowed the film to continue its commercial run without facing further obstructions.

Minutiae of the Mafia's Interaction with the Movie

While the cinematic Mafia represented a glamorized and idealized version of their world, real-life Mafioso had specific requests for the movie. For instance, Joe Colombo, a prominent figure in the Mafia, was insistent on the exclusion of the word 'Mafia' from the movie title, which eventually became a reality. Additionally, they pushed for a member of the Mafia to be involved in the film, with Lenny Montana, the actor who played Luca Brasi, being a known member of the Colombo crime family.

The Mafia also took issue with the way characters in the film were portrayed, such as Marlon Brando's character wearing loose-fitting clothes and his hat. These minor details were important to them, illustrating their desire to ensure the portrayal was as accurate as possible.

Overall Reception

From my research, most Mafia members enjoyed The Godfather and found it to be an accurate representation of their world. While some may have been uncomfortable with the exposure, the overall reception was positive. The film provided an opportunity for the Mafia to control the narrative and present their world in a more favorable light. This demonstrates the real-life Mafia's embrace of the movie, rather than any active opposition.