Class Act - The Next Don

During the class of November 30th, we watched a section of “The Godfather”.  Throughout the part, there were certain scenes which lead me to think that Michael Corleone will become the next Don of the family.  Since Vito Corleone has been injured, Mike has played a larger role in the family, especially when he went to go visit Vito at the hospital.  Michael has also had a large presence in the Corleone household which is shown through the unique use of camera angles. 

There have been many signs that have lead me to believe that Michael will be the next Don.  For example, when Michael goes into Vito’s hospital room the camera pans into the door frame very slowly.  The camera focuses on the door and the number two.  I think Coppola wanted the viewers to look at the number and the door.  The number two could symbolize that Michael is the second Don and that he will be his father successor.   Coppola also panned into the door frame.  I believe that this symbolized a new beginning for Mike; when he stepped into the room he stepped into a new part of his life. 

The shot of the hospital room door was about sixteen seconds long and therefore I think its safe to say it was definitely purposeful.  Not only did the camera angles throughout the scene back-up the idea of Michael becoming the next Don, but so did the dialogue.  When Michael went to talk to his father he said “Just lie here, Pop. I'll take care of you now. I'm with you now. I'm with you...” (Coppola).  This line can mean that Michael is physically present with Vito, but I think it means that he has reunited with his family.  I think Mike means that he is now part of his family business (the mafia) and will be an active member.  Vito was very happy to see his son and also to hear that his son was going to join his team.  Vito did not say anything, but he shed a tear, and I think it was was a tear of joy. 

Without dialogue Coppola has conveyed the message that Michael may be the next Don of the Corleone family.  When the men are in the Don’s office deciding what action to take the camera angle pans into all three men; Sonny, Tom and Michael.  Coppola first pans into Sonny who is sitting in the Don’s chair.  During the beginning of the movie, Vito was sitting in the exact same seat and the camera angle was in a similar position except now there was no light surrounding Sonny; there was no halo.  Sonny’s face is also in a shadow.  The camera then focuses on Mike and Tom, whos faces are illuminated by the window.  There is a stream of light entering the room through the window right between the two men.  This brought the idea that these two men may end up fighting against each other for the position of the Don.  

Tom and Michael may fight for the position, but the next shot lead me to think that Michael will be Vito’s successor.  Coppola strategically panned into Michael who was calmly talking about what action to take.  Mike sat in the chair similarly to how Vito did in the first scene.  His tone of voice was very relaxed and he had a long monologue, similar to Vito when talking to Bonasera.  The camera angle panned into Mike showing how he has a sense of authority and how he is very powerful. 

Coppola empowered Michael in many ways throughout this part which has lead me to think that he will be the next Don of the Corleone family.  The camera angles and symbols, such as the door and light, illuminate the idea that Michael can be Vito’s successor.  Not only has Michael gained a lot of respect from his family since he has been home, but his actions also hint to the fact that he does want to become the next Don.