Hospital Sequence/Corruption of Michael 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