The Godfather Anti Hero Essay

The American passion for anti-hero has ushered in a new age of film; as the contemporary era progresses, the gray area between right and wrong becomes morally hazy. Despite antisocial, hostile, or immoral behavior, the anti-hero always somehow seems morally correct to the audience or the reader. Characters who were before social pariahs have now evolved into a template for fictional protagonists. And so dawned the era of the anti-hero. Those who liberate people of moral burden reject the disagreeable societal constraints and expectations imposed upon the populace. Anti-heroes give the people’s grievances a voice and make people feel like something right is being done, no matter how legally wrong. Anti-heroes act in a way people approve of but …show more content…
The 1970s had so many ongoing conflicts, the Vietnam War, issues of race and gender identity, and economic challenges, the image from Vito Corleone's focus seemed desirable to the reader and the watcher. The Godfather might have been a nefarious mobster, but he "got things done." He was effective and cared for his family and protected them. Family plays an important role in the underpinnings of the movie, as he greatly cared for his sons shown by the lengths he was willing to go to protect them from harm, a love that many viewers can relate to. At a time when disenchantment with political and social leaders emerged along with a sincere lack of knowing about the future that develops with disenchantment, the focus and sense of control that Don Corleone presents hypnotizes the American public. The Don had a sense of calm and authority that strikes fear into even the most powerful people, such as Luca Brassi. Luca Brassi who must have killed dozens of people as an enforcer quakes at the thought of saying Happy Birthday to the Don. In any situation, a person who is so feared and respected is appealing to any