Two separate PARAGRAPHS.
1) In terms of "value to society" (not just to the selfishness of 'familial amoralism') does Don Corleone have any redeeming qualities? Or is he just a smooth and polished greedy monster (like Wall Street's sharks?)
2) Which representation of the don is 'better': Puzo's or Coppola's? (Interpret "better" as you want.)
REPLY: Argue back on n. 1 only.
We will discuss n.2 extensively in class.
1) In terms of "value to society," I personally do not believe Don Corleone has any redeeming qualities. I mean, he is a very respected man and I feel that if he was a politician or something of that sort he may be successful how ever he is respected in unmoral ways. If I was allowed to say his love for family is a great quality then my answer would be different, however that is not the case.
ReplyDelete2) I think Coppola's representation of the Don is better. The film version allows us to see the more emotional side of the Don. For example, when Sonny dies, he starts crying and we are unable to see that in the novel. Also, I found it so touching when we see Corleone playing in the backyard with his grandson.
I’m not sure what being a politician has to do with being successful. Politicians can be as corrupt as any criminal. Don Corleone even had some politicians in his favor. How much “value” does a corrupt politician provide society? I’d say about the same as any Don.
DeleteI don't believe that he is respected for immoral ways . His methods may not be conventional , but jurors and judges are able to decide whether a human life should continue to exist based on sins that they allege he may or may not have committed. Don Corleone resents this hypocritical and crooked system that we have no other choice other than to accept . He seeks out people who are knowingly bad . What makes him any less redeeming than the man who pulls the switch of an electric chair ?
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ReplyDeleteIn regards to value to society, I think he is a criminal who created rules to make what he did fancy and acceptable by his society. An example is that he didn't kill people without a good reason. It’s like saying, it’s okay to rob a bank if you had a good reason to do it.
The book is better because the writer gave certain details like his background in Corleone which was not portrayed in the movie
I think that the book was so effective in giving details that it actually made the Don seem more likable. In the movie, it seemed like his character was so minuscule compared to Michael and the immense focus they put on his character instead.
DeleteI have to agree with you, when I first started watching the film, I was a bit disappointed.
DeleteI do not believe that the Don had any redeeming qualities that made him a “value to society.” His work was tainted by crime and murder. Through his warped view he did what he felt was right, and blatantly ignored other people’s morale code. This is definitely not something that society needs.
ReplyDeletePuzo’s representation of the Don in his novel is “better” for me than Copolla’s in the film. There seemed to be a sense of destiny surrounding the Don throughout the novel that made him seem more powerful while also relaxed. No matter what happened, the Don always knew it was meant to be and accepted it as destiny. This is what I feel is expected from a “Godfather”. However, the film was full of expression and sense of excitement from the Don. It may have been the characters throwing me off, but the Don didn’t feel as powerful to me as he did in the novel.
In regards to society, sometimes men like Don Corleone is needed in society to adjust certain situations. The Don is a criminal but people respect him. Respect like that has to be won. According book I always liked the movie most of all. There things that is felt in the movie that the book does not have.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there needs to be some people in the world to level things out, but who says that the "Don" needed to be this bad guy? I'm not sure if it's a big enough factor to redeem him as a "value to society."
DeleteIn regards to society, sometimes men like Don Corleone is needed in society to adjust certain situations. The Don is a criminal but people respect him. Respect like that has to be won. According book I always liked the movie most of all. There things that is felt in the movie that the book does not have.
ReplyDelete1. the Don does not have any redeeming qualities that make him a "value to society" his work is not legal and is surrounded by murder and crime. he thought what he was doing was right because that was his belief but if you told anybody else this they would not agree.
ReplyDelete1. the Don does not have any redeeming qualities that make him a "value to society" his work is not legal and is surrounded by murder and crime. he thought what he was doing was right because that was his belief but if you told anybody else this they would not agree.
ReplyDeleteDon Corleone is an intelligent man. He understands business and politics just as well as any businessman and politician. He’s rich, the goal of any American businessman, able to hand out loans just like the banks. He knew that Hitler should have been stopped earlier, foresight not many politicians had.
ReplyDeleteI think Puzo’s representation of Don Corleone was better because he was better fleshed out. It felt much more captivating to read, in detail, the Don’s meticulous and cunning nature revealed gradually to be less than perfect.
Foresight is a great quality of his. "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse." I did not think of that. Always have to be two steps ahead, but Corleone is very thought out. I will say that it depends on where he applies his intelligence because I don't take Corleone to be much intelligent, but rather powerful and able to get away with a lot. He is smart in getting money, but not so much in sustaining himself.
DeleteDon Corleone was a very smart individual, he new how to make money and how to handle his business. The one thing that came first was a his family. Second was his business it was all about money and protection. He would never do harm to anyone personally unless he felt they deserve it. Back in the days this behavior was normal the mafia ran everything. Don was a genuine individual.
ReplyDeleteDon Corleone, is a man of redeeming qualities which include not only being able to see the bigger picture, but to maintain sight on long term goals as well. With these qualities, he is able to depict an idea of "peace" which in turn, helps to keep order in the streets of New York. Don Corleone is able to identify the greater good, so in a sense, he contributes positively to society. Though, he was a rich man, I would not necessarily classify him as a greedy monster because he never did anything for monetary profit.
ReplyDeleteI think Puzo's representation of the Don was better than Coppola's. Coppola's version highlighted more of Michael's character, rather than Don Corleone’s. Of course, with any movie, there is a limit to the amount of details that can be included, however, Puzo's description introduced readers to Don's character a little more. We were better able to understand why and how he became the man he became, and why he was such a respected figure.
Don Corleone is a leader and after understanding his way of thinking, as well as his background, how could you not see something in him.
ReplyDeleteof course, the book was better, but it's always easier to watch a film and get a visual representation
Don Corleone cherishes friendships and the better good of his friends and family that are affected by society like the opening scene. Don Corleone's redeeming quality would be that he is very friendly and takes friendships seriously. That is relieving for society to know and be able to approach Corleone and ask for favors. A man of his word and contains power. Very tricky but he can be much worse than he is in this story.
ReplyDeleteI like Coppola's approach because all the credit goes to Brando. It is very interesting the approach in the film in contrast to the film. Plus, I knew of the preparations of the actors to get into character for the film, so that induced my opinion. The book is so detailed with all the crimes and criminal involvement, Corleone could have easily been through the roof. I like Coppola's approach because it gave room for other characters to have an arch and their own story or moment like Don Corleone's kids. Sonny needs to be so far left from everyone no matter what and Michael was able to breathe due to Coppola's approach.
Don Corleone has very redeeming qualities . Although his methods are from from practical his intentions are always good . He asks questions before he does a favor and requests friendship if it does not always exist . I think aside from the killer aspect .. He was a pretty awesome character .
ReplyDeleteThe book version ironically isn't as personable as the movie . The actors embody the characters so incredibly that the viewer is able to relate on phenomenal levels . During the funeral scene when Michael is watching his fathers enemies celebrate .. The LACK of emotion is so emotional that I got sad and upset for him . His face and posture never change but u can read him so clearly . Hats off to both Al Pacino and Coppola