Gordon Willis, a respected Hollywood cinematographer, gave film viewers something they really hadn’t seen before. “Willis’s use of dark tones and lighting, one of his trademarks, gives the film a serious feel, one that not only echoes the mood of the film but also serves to make the actors stand out amid the backgrounds” (Goodykoontz & Jacob, 2014).
The textbook definition of Willis’ style of lighting is referred to as low-key lighting; “the design looks dark overall by comparison. It is marked by extreme use of deep shadows, with very high contrast between the brightest parts of the scene and the darkest parts, which are obscured in shadows. Often there may be only a single source of light, coming from the back or the side of the main characters” (Goodykoontz & Jacob, 2014).
In the video clip you will hear the term “top light” as Mr. Willis explains his lighting technique. The benefit to the low-key or top light style is the ability to cast shadows on characters, in order to hide expression and to leave the audience guessing as to thoughts or emotions.
The lighting used in The Godfather was perfectly suited for Gangster Film, a sub-genre of Crime Film. “It is not just what Corleone says in the (opening) scene, which introduces us to all that will follow, that makes us aware of his power. It is also how the scene looks, how it is shot, and how color and light are combined that give The Godfather such an immediately distinctive feel. The rich hues, the closed blinds, the placing of Corleone behind the desk, a traditional seat of power, tell us that this is a man in charge, a man who is both wise and dangerous. The tone of the film is established from the opening frames” (Goodykoontz & Jacob, 2014).
Had the director and cinematographer chosen a different lighting style, the impact of the movie could have been diminished. In order for the audience to truly feel the power, prestige and dark side of the godfather, they needed to feel it completely through the Mise En Scene, particularly the lighting. Lighting sets the tone that will be carried throughout the film.
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacob, C. P. (2014). Film: From Watching to Seeing, Second Edition. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
The Godfather, Part 1 