The Godfather Hospital SequenceCorruption of Michael First Introduction

The Godfather Hospital Sequence/Corruption of Michael

First Introduction to Michael �Greeted enthusiastically and explains the family business to Kay �He stands out as different �His costume conveys him as an ‘all. American’ war hero �Close-up of Vito peering through blinds suggests distance – Michael is legitimate; the son he wants a different life for

First Introduction to Michael �Michael and Kay sit apart from everyone – outsider �Sonny and Fredo established as hot headed and weak, highlighting Michael is the perfect balance between powerful authority and careful thoughtfulness �Dialogue – “That’s my family, Kay. It’s not me. ” �He’s presented as open, honest and truthful

Corruption Stage 1 � Marked shift in Michael when he hears the news of the attack on his father � Kay stand outside the phone box looking on as Michael phones home – new distance between the pair � He replies ‘I know’ when she tells him she loves him � Awkward, unfinished dinner in the lavish hotel – romantic music in the background adds to the awkward silent atmosphere � Dialogue “I don’t want you to get involved, ” illustrates the growing distance. However, at this point, he is still looking out for her

Hospital Sequence � This acts as a turning point in the film � In the seven minutes that Michael is inside the hospital his character is transformed � Nothing actually happens in the scene, instead the scene is devoted to tensely illustrating what could have happened had Michael not taken charge and prevented an attack � Suspense and tension is created through the suggestion and possibility of violence

Hospital Sequence �The dark lighting reflects his dark mood and nervous tension; creates threatening atmosphere; and reveals his inner conflict – legitimacy or corruption �Dramatic pause before he enters the hospital �The camera angle makes Michael look small and lost in shadow in comparison to the looming hospital front

Hospital Sequence � He rejects the light and walks through the archway of fairy lights – symbolic of his transformation away from his legitimate past into the family business � The arch has connotations of the archway to Hell, representative of Michael’s transition to corruption � Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and peace however, the foreboding mood here is starkly different – nothing is peaceful; violence simmers

Hospital Sequence �Dissonant chords �Minor score �Non-diagetic soundtrack is slow moving and creates tension �Sustained high notes all add to suspense increasing nervousness

Hospital Sequence � Long shot reveals the vast emptiness and isolation of the hospital � The camera is confined to the cramped and nauseatingly green corridors � With each shot, some of which last for only a few seconds through fast editing, tension builds � Props – medium close up of uneaten sandwich, abandoned rooms etc. suggesting hasty exits – emphasise the emptiness � Quickly establishes the danger Michael and Vito are in

Hospital Sequence �Diagetic echoes and sound of record on repeat create an ominous and tense atmosphere �Tracking shots of Michael moving through the empty hospital show realisation dawning on him that something is not quite right

Hospital Sequence � Wide angle shot of Michael running reveals his sense of concern and heightens the sense of urgency/mounting fear � After the hurried movement he slowly approaches his father’s door and cautiously opens it – the slow pace here again adds tension as we wait expectantly to see what the opening door will reveal � The opening of the door symbolic of his cautious entry to the world of the mafia � Soundtrack continuing to build tension

Hospital scene