As the film opens, it is the last Saturday in August, 1945 - and the Japanese have just surrendered. In the opening scene, the camera (very slowly) pulls back from the face of a man who is in Corleone's dark home office, where the Don ruthlessly holds court. He carries on with the crime family business during his daughter's wedding reception, that is being held in the bright, sunshine of the outdoor veranda of his Long Island compound.
In the underlit office, American justice has failed. The Don is a gentle, restrained, 62 year old aging man, sitting behind his study desk. His face has a bulldog appearance with padded cheeks, and he speaks with a high-pitched, hoarse, raspy, gutteral mumbling accent. On his lap is a cat whose head he lovingly and gently strokes. Although he moves stiffly, he wields enormous lethal power as he determines the dispensation of real justice - who will be punished and who will be favored. He is upset that the funeral director Bonasera hasn't asked for a favour earlier, although he now asks for murderous revenge (instead of justice). The Don promises justice - and then asks for a return favor as a friend.
The scene starts with a piece of traditional italian music. This sets the scene by gving the viewer an insight into how the film is going to be set, and also puts the film into context for the audience. The dialogue at first is about how proud Bonasera is to be American, and how his pride was undermined by his daughter's friends who beat her half to death. He begins to sob, showing his passion towards his country and his love for his family. When Corleone starts to speak, the volume appears to rise, highlighting his importance and stature within the group. This is again shown when Bonasera and Corleone are conversing. When Corelone is talking to Bonasera, the over the shoulder point of view shot is from high above, and shows Bonasera bowing to him in respect. Consequently, when Bonasera is talking, the shot is from just below his shoulder looking up towards Corleone, highlighting his power above everyone else in the room.
When the camera zooms out and shows the rest of the room and reveals several other people in the room, we notice they are all dressed the same; in smart tuxedos with slicked back hair.
Connotation
The italian music, accent and smart dress all link to organized crime, the backstreet crime linked with Italian-American culture and the Mafia lifestyle.
Also, the badly lit room they are in connotes to the mysteriousness which entwines with the theme of the Mafia, and organized crime in general.
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