in 2012, the book "the godfather effect" showed the influence of "the godfather" trilogy. the book was a critical success. the study shows how the films changed views on italian-american immigrants. it also changed how americans saw their own national identities. the movies changed how hollywood showed italians. they removed stereotypes about italian-americans. the films tried to show the mafia realistically and from the criminals' perspective. "the godfather" trilogy changed the gangster genre. the family is central in the movies. there are no reckless and brutal criminals, but criminals who protect and support the family. the movies were also about the failures of the american dream. "the godfather" opens with the words, "i believe in america". the movie shows the corruption of american business. the films reflected public opinion. people were unhappy with events like the vietnam war and the watergate scandal. the film also showed the darker side of the american dream and conflicts between family and business.