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Italian Immigrant’s Culture in New York: A Comparative Study on The Godfather II and Mean Streets Through the Lens of Audiovisual Language
- 1 Beijing Jiaotong University
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Abstract
This study explores the dynamics of cultural integration, assimilation, and identity formation of Italian immigrants in American films in the 20th century. It makes a comparative analysis of two iconic films, The Godfather II and Mean Streets, through the lens of audiovisual language. Drawing upon the semiotics theory, mirror theory, and root theory, this research aims to analyze the dynamic changes in culture, economy, and emotions experienced by Italian immigrants. The study is anchored in three key aspects. First, it focuses on the identity politics of Italian immigrants in the United States, with a spotlight on second-generation immigrants. Unlike the first generation, they retain a strong sense of separation from their Italian roots, exhibiting few traces of a transitional identity arc. The second aspect revolves around the directors’ reconstruction of national history in a global context and its connection to the Mafia’s influence on economic predicament. Lastly, by looking into the narrative symbols in these films, this research continuously explores the emotional dynamics in the process of cultural integration.
Keywords
film studies, Italian immigrants, culture fusion, audiovisual language
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Cite this article
Lei,H. (2023). Italian Immigrant’s Culture in New York: A Comparative Study on The Godfather II and Mean Streets Through the Lens of Audiovisual Language. Communications in Humanities Research,19,148-156.
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