The Godfather: Final Sequence Flashcards
Music
> Organ Music- Associated with death/funerals: has a sinister sound to it
Music gets louder and faster as the action intensifies creating tension
Music is heard both in the church and during the assassinations linking the two scenes very closely (diagetic/non diagetic)
Michaels involvement in the deaths cannot be disputed however the music creates relevance and ties him to the situation, showing he is responsible.
Dialogue
> Irony as Michael renounces Satan (evil) at the moment at which the assassinations are simultaneously being carried out.
Michael is exposed as a liar- and again when Kay asks him if he was responsible for the murder of his brother in law - he has changed in contrast to the opening sequence, where Michael is open and honest with Kay
The sound of the baby crying is unpleasant and unsettling and creates a sense of disquiet
Organ increases pitch as each murder is carried out.
Camera Techniques
Close ups:
>Close up of Michael’s Face juxtaposed with the murders-he is pale, calm; He seems resolved with settling family business
>Michaels hands- reminding us of power.
POV shot:
>Michael gazes at his godson, knowing he intends to have his father killed.
>Michael decides to be literally and metaphorically the Godfather
Mixture of Shots (Parallel Editing):
>Reveals the brutality of each murder.
Mis en scene
Orange:
Robes of priests and alter boys, orange overcoat, orange ties, flowers, masseuse wearing orange trousers
Clothing:
Michael is wearing a version of the mafia uniform- suit, waistcoat, overcoat
Michaels half lit face symbolises corruption.
Editing
> The baby is juxtaposed with images of death/weapons- highlights the contrast between the seemingly innocent baptism and the actions which are being perpetrated at the same time.
Michael has cleverly orchestrated the murders to be carried out when he is in a public place- he cannot be accused for it as there are witnesses of his qhereabouts.
