FROM DON TO ICON: METAPHOR AND MEANING IN COPPOLA’S THE GODFATHER[1]
Gabriela Hațagan
University of Alba Iulia, Romania
Abstract
This study explores the use of multimodal metaphor in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 film The Godfather, focusing on how various semiotic resources—such as sound, imagery, dialogue, and music—contribute to the film’s deeper ideological and cultural meanings. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) by Lakoff and Johnson (2003) and Charles Forceville’s (2006, 2009) work on multimodal metaphor, the analysis identifies and interprets metaphorical constructs that shape the audience’s perception of themes such as power, violence, and capitalism. The central metaphor underpinning the film—MAFIA IS AMERICAN CAPITALISM—frames the Corleone family’s story as an allegory of post-war America’s socio-economic landscape. Other key metaphors examined include GODFATHER IS PROTECTOR/AVENGER, MAFIA IS VIOLENCE, SMOKE IS POWER, and MENTAL STATE IS FAST TRAIN. These metaphors operate across multiple semiotic channels and contribute to character development, thematic complexity, and narrative progression. By applying a qualitative descriptive methodology, the study draws from both primary sources—the film and its original script—and secondary literature on cinematic metaphor and film theory. The findings highlight how metaphor functions as a cognitive and aesthetic tool in film, enabling audiences to engage with abstract social concepts through concrete audiovisual experiences. This paper contributes to the growing body of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of linguistics, cognitive science, and film studies, and it emphasises the value of multimodal metaphor analysis in uncovering the ideological and symbolic dimensions of cinematic storytelling.
Keywords: The Godfather, multimodal metaphor, Francis Ford Coppola, American capitalism, Mafia, film studies, linguistic aesthetics.
References
Primary sources
Coppola, F. F. (Director). (1972). The Godfather [Film]. Paramount Pictures.
Puzo, M., & Coppola, F. F. (1972). The Godfather [Screenplay]. https://assets.scriptslug.com/live/pdf/scripts/the-godfather-1972.pdf
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How to cite this article: Hațagan, G. (2023). From Don to icon: Metaphor and meaning in Coppola’s The Godfather. Journal of Linguistic and Intercultural Education - JoLIE, 16(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.29302/jolie.2023.16.1.4
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[1] The current paper was elaborated as part of the MA course in Metaphorology in contemporary media, led by Professor Teodora Popescu, academic year 2021-2022, 1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania.