The Godfather: The Restaurant Scene

Question 1

Language

Answer 1

> Michael Transformation- War hero to Murderer, He is no longer a civilian but a mafia soldier.
In the car he puts on his hat and he looks like a mafia don
Close up of Michael’s face- battered, bruised, eye bags from lack of sleep (emotional turmoil) - shows that he is struggling with the enormity of what he is about to do (inner conflict: good vs bad) (enigma: what is going to happen? Will he be good or bad?)
The gun/toilet scene- He panics (shows his inexperience/ struggling with the emotions)
The shootings: after a few moments of uncertainty (eyes darting about, panic induced) he carries the murders out with cold precision (precise and focused executions)

Question 2

Lighting and mis en scene

Answer 2

> Dim lighting- suggests evil; Michael’s face is half lit which suggests conflict/ struggle between his innate goodness and the evil he is about to commit
McLuskey’s face is the most hidden by the shadow- suggests he’s the most corrupt. A corrupt police officer is more immoral than the mafioso (Sollozzo) who is open/honest about his work.
Neon signs/Bright lighting- suggests normality, in contrast to what is about to take place.
Orange light over Sollozzo’s shoulder- suggests that something evil is about to happen.

Question 3

Camera Shots

Answer 3

In the car:
>Close up of men’s faces- their uncertainty produces extreme tension
>Close up of McLuskey’s hand-when he frisks Michael- symbolises Power.

Outside the restaurant:
>Establishing shot- contrasts between the ordinary, welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant and the sinister looking mafia cars carrying murderers,corrupt cops and mafioso.

Inside the restaurant:
>High angle shot- Making Michael seem vulnerable
>Over the Shoulder POV shots- McLuskey is excluded, shows who really has power in the film (not authority)
>Extreme close up- Michaels eyes darting about- shows uncertainty and panic (emotional turmoil) increases tension
>Close up of hands- frisked by Sollozzo- emphasises lack of trust
>Cross cuts between toilet and restaurant-emphasises contrast in atmospheres - peaceful vs tense

After the Shootings:
>High Angle- scene has been transformed into an execution site
>Montage of newspaper headlines emphasises influence of Corleones

Question 4

Music & Sound

Answer 4

> Michaels Funeral Dirge- slow, haunting and reflects building tension
Stinger Chord- At the end- Highlights that something dreadful has happened. Music here is dramatic/climactic, life will never be the same especially for Michael. He has fully changed from good to evil.
Italian Dialogue- its not translated to make the audience feel uneasy and excluded, and also highlights that mcluskey is an outsider, sollozzo has no loyalty to him.
Mix of Diagetic/Non Diagetic sound
-Screeching car tires (diagetic)- disturbing/adds to the urgency
-Train- reflects Michael’s state of mind- overwhelmed, in turmoil/confusion.