Light and Dark in "The Godfather"

One way Francis Ford Coppola manages to accentuate the film, "The Godfather" is through the use of lighting.
In general, Coppola sets the film in two different tones: light and dark. Bright colours and light in the film are generally used in scenes in which the whole Corleone family is together. Viewers are able to see what the Corleone family is like, all business aside. Not only is bright lighting able to help audiences first see that the Corleone family is all in all, united (ie. at Connie's wedding,) but they are able to bring out a typical warm, fuzzy, welcoming feeling from the viewers. It is almost as if the lighting is able to manipulate the viewer's feelings and thoughts, and help the audience focus on connecting with the new, large family they've been introduced to. The bright lighting in the film accentuates the fact that the Corleone family does have a peaceful family life, aside from the daily business the men attend to.
The use of darker lighting is used either when the mafia is discussing business, or during crucial, ominous turns in the film. In example, the office of the Godfather, Vito Corleone, always had minimal lighting. So, whenever meetings were called, and deals were struck, they were always done in the dark. I think this was done on purpose. I believe Francis Ford Coppola wanted to add an ominous and mysterious touch to the scenes in which gruesome deals were struck, to bring in the attention of the audience, and continue to fascinate viewers.

Another key concept to note is the usage of light and shadows. Usually, in the film, the shadows on a character's face help viewers understand what is going on in the character's mind. It also helps the audience empathize with the characters somewhat, as viewers are able to see the internal struggles of characters clearly on their faces. An example of the exceptional use fo shadows in this film is when Tom Hagen was being persuaded to strike a deal with Sollazzo, after hearing about his father's "murder." As he did not know that his father was still alive, it was clear to viewers that Tom Hagen was in a dilemma of whether or not to trust Sollazzo.

I believe that the lighting in the film has helped me not only empathize with and understand the characters better, but also advanced my learning and understanding of the events unfolding throughout the film.