One of the most gripping moments in Francis Ford Coppola’s classic film, The Godfather, occurs during the notorious restaurant assassination. In this pivotal scene, the seemingly innocent Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) executes a double murder of Virgil “The Turk”Sollozzo (Al Lettieri) and the corrupt police officer Mark McCluskey (Sterling Hayden). Rather than adhering to Clemenza’s directive to immediately open fire after emerging from the bathroom, Michael surprisingly waits until he is seated again before he kills both men at close range. This deviation from protocol has raised eyebrows, with one former mobster calling it an unrealistic portrayal of mob life.
This scene powerfully encapsulates Michael’s internal struggle between his moral values and his commitment to the Corleone family. As he grapples with the inevitable act of violence that ties him deeper into the criminal world he previously tried to evade, we see Michael’s tension and hesitation. His situation is not about whether he can commit murder; his character’s resolve is evident in the later brutal killings in the film’s climax. Instead, Michael is acutely aware that he must renounce his innocence to save his father’s life, leading to a moment of indecision before he commits to the violent course ahead.
Michael’s Deviation from Clemenza’s Directives in the Restaurant Hit
The Role of Nerves in Michael’s Decision-Making
Initially, Peter “Pete”Clemenza (Richard Castellano), a pivotal figure known for his memorable quotes, advises Michael to let the firearm fall from his hand and leave the restaurant promptly after executing the killings. When the Corleone family eventually locates the meeting point, Clemenza reiterates that Michael should secure permission to use the restroom, retrieve the gun, and emerge ready to fire, aiming to deliver two shots to each target.
Contrary to Clemenza’s clear instructions, Michael refrains from firing as soon as he exits the bathroom. Instead, he opts to return to his seat, momentarily tuning out Sollozzo as he mentally prepares for the deed. After a palpable buildup of tension, he abruptly stands and executes the two men, targeting McCluskey with two shots. Curious to note, he only relinquishes the weapon after reaching the restaurant’s entrance.
Michael’s Errors Highlight His Reluctance to Kill Sollozzo & McCluskey
Struggling with the Decision to Kill Sollozzo and McCluskey
While it can be argued that Michael was somewhat numb to violence due to his family’s criminal background and his military experiences, he initially seeks a peaceful resolution with Sollozzo, attempting to extract assurances that no further threats would be made against his father. However, when Sollozzo blatantly dismisses Michael’s pleas for peace, he resolves to protect his father by executing the hit.
As Michael sits down once more, his anxiousness is evident; his eyes flick back and forth, revealing a stark contrast to the ruthless killer he evolves into by the film’s climax. He is still a young man, filled with doubt and fear, and his missteps reflect this uncertainty, adding depth to Al Pacino’s riveting performance. Ultimately, in carrying out the execution, Michael irrevocably seals his fate, taking the fateful first step toward becoming the ruthless Don Corleone depicted in The Godfather.