One of the most watched gangster movies of all time, The Godfather was first a novel by Mario Puzo who also wrote the screenplay with Francis Ford Coppola in the early 70's. This wasn't the first movie that Al Pachino was in, but it certainly put him on the map as a talented actor. The cinematographer was Gordon Willis, who os know for his work on the Godfather series with Coppola. Willis also worked along side some other great directors including Woody Allen and Alan J. Pakula.
The movie is lit in a warm tone with a lot of the lights being used are from practical lights in the rooms. The characters are generally backlit with the light hitting one side of their faces creating a shadow on the opposite side, especially when they are talking about "family business." The movies brightest moments are the outside scenes between Don Vito Corleone and Michael, played by Marlon Brando and Al Pachino respectively. Once Michael completely takes over the business, the lighting looks more of a cool blue indoors showing a new regime is in place.
