1. Hospital Sequence/Corruption of Michael
The Godfather
Hospital Sequence/Corruption of Michael

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Hospital scene