The Godfather: A Reflection of Real Italian-American Organized Crime

The Godfather is widely recognized as one of the most iconic and influential films in cinema history. It has been a source of fascination for many, with its portrayal of Italian-American organized crime. But how accurately does the film reflect real-life organizations? Let's explore this question in detail.

The Basis of the Film

The story of The Godfather is largely based on a book by Wiseguys by Nicholas Pileggi, which is itself based on the recollections of Henry Hill, the main character in Martin Scorsese's film Goodfellas. Henry Hill was intimately involved with the Luchese Cosa Nostra crime family in New York City. Notably, while many locations and names were changed for the film, the core events and figures remained largely intact.

Patient's Account

A real-world example that illustrates the film's accuracy comes from a patient of mine. This woman claimed to have managed the flower shop featured in the film. Although I cannot recall the exact shop, her account suggested that many of the events depicted were based on real-life occurrences. This adds a layer of authenticity to the film, as it was not just a fictional creation, but rather a careful amalgamation of true events and figures.

Factual Basis in the Novel and Film

According to Frank DiMatteo, a close study of his books The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia and Carmine The Snake, nearly all of the events that Mario Puzo, and hence Francis Ford Coppola, used in the plot of The Godfather actually transpired in New York City. DiMatteo meticulously connects these events to the story, showcasing the depth of his research and the real-life basis of the film.

Character Inspirations

While no single person can be said to have inspired one of the main characters, Mario Puzo drew inspiration from bits and pieces of various authentic mobsters when crafting the characters in his novel. Michael Franzese, a former caporegime of the Columbo Cosa Nostra family, noted that the film contained a significant number of exaggerations. However, these exaggerations were appreciated by the real-life mobsters, who emulated figures from the film after its release.

Authenticity and Emulation

Considering all these details, it is safe to say that approximately 25% of the events and character portrayals in The Godfather rang true to reality. Interestingly, the authenticity of the film also led to actual mobsters portraying mobsters in the film. Figures like Lenny Montana, who played Luca Brasi, and Gianni Russo, who played Carlo, were involved in the New York mob in various capacities. While not high-level mobsters, they added a level of realism that contributed to the film's enduring appeal.

Conclusion: Despite the film's fictional narrative, a significant portion of The Godfather's plot and characters are rooted in real-life organizations and events. The accuracy of these portrayals is a testament to the meticulous research and attention to detail by Puzo and Coppola, making the film a valuable window into the world of Italian-American organized crime.