The wedding scene is so famous, and it's hard to ignore why. I love character development and the best way that Coppola could've introduced all of these characters so fluidly was through a scene like this. We see the sister getting married, Michael telling his girlfriend that he isn't like his family (oh you just wait Michael!), Sonny being a cheating and rude husband and Tom as the loyal and faithful servant to Don Vito. Through interactions with those he meets, we understand that the Don is a family man with an old fashioned view of his work. Because the movie is so long and action packed, the wedding scene might be forgotten but it truly is the most important. From this wedding scene we're allowed to see the characters grow and change. The first movie alone takes us through so many different phases and sequences, the wedding had actually placed set up for everything that was going to happen.
The character most changed throughout the trilogy is of course Michael, but the first pivotal first scene introduces Michael as a war hero. As a guy who thought it was ok to be late to his sisters wedding. As a guy who didn't feel the need to say hello to his family as soon as he came in. As a guy who looked down on the family business and told his pretty blonde girlfriend that he thought so. Michael, as it was so obvious, did NOT consider himself a part of his family or business. Contrasting this man from the wedding party to the final scenes of The Godfather III, it's incredibly apparent how much things had changed for this man.
The Godfather is praised as one of the best movies of all time, and I have a hard time disagreeing with this. These ruthless, vengeful and violent characters are given heart and a background through Coppola's fantastic filming and wonderful storyline. Watching the movie allows a feeling of inclusion. Viewers feel invited into this life of family ties, love and gangster killing. Viewers are allowed to dance and sing and eat at this big Italian wedding.
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