The film “The Godfather” by Francis Ford Coppola is considered a cinema classic. The opening scene in particular is one of the most memorable of all time.
At this moment we meet the protagonist Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, in dialogue with Amerigo Bonasera, a undertaker. Corleone’s intensity and commanding presence make it clear that he is no ordinary character.
The cat: an improvised and eyecatching detail
However, the climax of The Godfather’s opening scene comes seconds later when the camera registers the image of a villain petting a cat. This scene became an iconic example for many other film projects.
But according to Collider, that scene almost didn’t happen. The interference of the Paramount Pictures studio nearly jeopardized the film’s success. Luckily, Coppola coped with the situation and insisted on developing his own creative vision for the story.
The moment of improvisation that worked
The cat’s cameo in the opening scene was improvised, as the director himself revealed. During an interview with Time Magazine in 2012, Coppola shared:
“The cat in Marlon’s hands was not planned. I saw the cat running through the studio, I picked it up and put it in her hands without a word.”
Though Coppola didn’t explain the reasons for this decision, Collider mentions that Brando had no problem accepting the idea. The actor, known for his admiration for cats, had no problem petting the cat naturally during filming.
A counterpoint between emotions and moral ambiguity
The cat’s presence in the opening scene of The Godfather creates an interesting counterpoint between Vito Corleone’s loving devotion to the little animal and the violence in his lifestyle.
This unsettling combination captures the viewer’s attention and leads to a moral ambiguity that pervades the film’s entire saga.
The opening scene that stuck in the minds of fans
The scene in question takes place right at the beginning of the film, during the lavish wedding of Corleone’s daughter. While receiving friends and partners in his office, the protagonist expresses his displeasure that Buonasera does not participate in family activities.
The softness in Corleone’s voice contrasts with the underlying menace, but it’s the cat on his lap that steals the show, playing and moving in an endearing way.
Marlon Brando has always had a thing for cats and has often been photographed with his pets. In The Godfather, this love for cats was incorporated into the story, making for a unique and unforgettable moment.