Freud theory in Gangster films

In Scarface and The godfather there seems to be clear elements of Freuds odipus complex, does anyone think so too?

Freud was nuts.

But to paraphrase him, sometimes a cannoli is just a cannoli .

I agree.

also, PB, that is a mighty fine signature, where ever did you get it?

I'm not that familiar with Scarface. I do think that Coppolla was trying to present Michael Corleone as a tragic hero in the classical/Shakespearean sense, brought down by his own strengths, but anything Oedipal went over my head.

I don't see any Oedipal elements in GF, other than Michael tries (and fails) to recreate the same level of trust and control that his father had. Hmm. You could even make an argument that he didn't even try because he learned the wrong lessons and times were different.

In Scarface, the incest thing is there but is it Oedipal since it's not directed at his mother?

I should hope not. Did you see his mother in that movie? She could scare the paint off a wall.

I fully agree - there is a tragedy of epic proportions transpiring here. It is very shakespearean and that is why it lives on and holds up over the years - the story, characters, and motivations are timeless.