“The Godfather II” is very similar to the original film, “The Godfather”, as Francis Ford Coppola uses many similar techniques and concepts to keep to audience engaged.
While this is a continuation of the first film, the movie starts in the past with a scene about Vito Corleone arriving to America. The Statue of Liberty is seen in the corner, indicating that this is America, but also that this is the land of dreams, freedom and opportunities. Similarly to “The Godfather”, “The Godfather II” focuses on the American Dream. The audience views Vito grow up into a young man making a name and living for himself. Continuously, Coppola showcases Michael in the present being the Don and striving for the American Dream. Both Michael and young Vito are striving for success, but Vito is just starting while Michael is continuing his fathers dream, but also making his own path.
As Coppola goes back and forth between the past and the present, the audience is able to clearly see both men strive for prosperity and power, but the Heros’ Journey is also clearly displayed. Young Vito and Michael go through the Heros’ Journey, and follow the stages together. For example, when Michael was in New York he was in the “Initiation” stage. Simultaneously, Vito is shown overcoming obstacles, like being fired, while his transformation into a criminal mastermind is beginning. Throughout this scene, Vito was in the “Road of Trials” stage of the “Initiation”. This concept of the Heros’ Journey was used by Coppola in both films to keep the audience engaged and interested, but also to characterize Michael and Vito.
Michael and Vito are characterized as powerful and intelligent men in both films. Coppola uses the same character traits from the first film, to further develop both characters. As time progresses, Michael and Vito are seen more as powerful and respected characters, similarly to the first film.
While “The Godfather” has a different plot than “The Godfather II”, they both share similar concepts, such as the American Dream and Heros’ Journey. Coppola also used these ideas to characterized Vito and Michael. While the two films are different, they are also similar in many ways.
