The Mystery Behind the Absence of 'Mafia' in The Godfather: An In-Depth Analysis

The movie adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. One interesting fact about the film is the intentional omission of a word that was both the working title of the book and a central theme in the story. This article delves into the reasoning behind the absence of the word 'mafia' in the movie version of The Godfather.

The Working Title: Mafia

Mario Puzo initially titled his novel The Godfather as 'Mafia,' highlighting the central role of this organized crime syndicate in the story. However, the movie adaptation decided to omit this term, despite its significance. The reason for this omission is rooted in a complex web of factors involving politics, public relations, and even direct threats.

Backlash from the Italian American Community

The decision to omit the word 'mafia' was met with significant backlash. The Italian American Civil Rights League, led by Mafia boss Joe Colombo, vehemently protested the portrayal of Italians in the movie. These protests led to a compromise between the filmmakers and the Italian community. It was agreed that the word 'mafia' would not be used, and the studios would employ 'experts' to assist with the film's portrayal.

Role of Organized Crime Actors

Notable actors with ties to organized crime were included in the cast, such as those who played Luca Brasi and Moe Greene. These roles, while not involving direct references to the word 'mafia,' still contributed to the overall portrayal of the Corleone family and their criminal activities. The inclusion of 'experts' ensured that the portrayal remained authentic and did not further alienate the Italian American community.

Key Omissions in the Film

The movie adaptation avoided certain key phrases and terms that would have explicitly referenced the mafia or organized crime. For instance, the 'Five Families' mentioned in the plot are never called 'mafia,' and they are referred to as 'organized crime' or 'gangsters.' Other notable omissions include:

The term 'omertà' (code of silence) is never mentioned, even in scenes where the protagonist Frank Pentangeli is about to phrase 'friend of mine' or 'my friend' is used instead of 'made man' or 'capo' to maintain a sense of normalcy and avoid direct references to the mafia's secret society.

Public Relations and Political Considerations

The decision to omit the word 'mafia' from the film was ostensibly to appease the Italian American community and avoid direct accusations of persecution or negative portrayal. Additionally, public opinion towards organized crime was shifting in the 1970s and 1980s, and the filmmakers wanted to focus on the moral and ethical aspects of the story rather than exacerbating negative stereotypes. The compromise allowed the film to be made and released without major political or legal backlash.

Theories and Explanations

There are multiple theories regarding the reasoning behind the absence of the word 'mafia.' Some believe that threats from real-life organized crime figures directly influenced the filmmakers. Other theories suggest that the decision was made by the writers and producers to focus more on the family structure and code of ethics rather than the gritty reality of organized crime.

Conclusion

The absence of the word 'mafia' in The Godfather is a testament to the complex interplay between political considerations, public relations, and artistic integrity. The decision ultimately helped to ensure the success of the film and its enduring legacy in popular culture.