The Godfather Part 1

The opening sequence of shows Michael entering the restaurant, immediately we are aware that a train runs above as we can here the recognisable sound of a travelling train. It is apparent that all the little background noises are amplified- the opening of wine, the noises of crockery and cutlery, clinking of glasses etc. These are diegetic sounds because Michael, Sollozzo and McCluskey can hear them to just like the train, each of the background noises are emphasised to magnify the intensity of the situation, the little echoes there are highlights the silence in the restaurant. One of the key background noises is the opening of the wine, not only does the deep red colour of the wine symbolise blood and anger but the noise as it opens foreshadows the noise of the gun.

Sollozzo tells McCluskey that he is going to speak Italian to Michael, there are no subtitles for the audience to understand what the men are saying to each other. This is done to keep us as well as McCluskey in the dark, the mob is a secret world, no one knows what is going on except the members. Throughout the conversation we continue to here footsteps of the waiters which just reminds the audience how quiet it must be in the room.

Following this conversation Michael goes to the bathroom, as soon as he enters we here the sound of the train, it implies that Michael going into the bathroom was the start of something.  The train goes over after he leaves the stall before he exits, although we've heard this sound before it seems to be both diegetic and non-diegetic. We know the other people in the restaurant can here it but it also looks like it is in Michael's head due to the way he reacts and the way it intensifies. He has never murdered anyone before, he is a war hero, he is bracing himself for what he is about to do. It's like a rush of thoughts running through his mind, the pros and cons. Even though all the power is effectively in his hands at that moment, the shot is captured in a high angle- this connotes weakness and little power, I think this conveys that Michael doesn't want to shoot Sollozzo but he feels he has no choice in the matter.

As Michael returns to the table, the return of the loud background noises is apparent. Just like when Michael was in the bathroom and we seen quick shots of Sollozzo and McCluskey sitting in silence, the silence makes the situation uncomfortable- everything that is being said and done can be heard. Sollozzo begins to talk to Michael when the noise of the train begins again, like previously the noise seems to be both diegetic and non-diegetic due to the reaction of Michael, this time the noise is incredibly intense. It travels and continues as Michael comes to a decision and grasps what is about to happen. As the train comes to a stop on the tracks, Michael makes a firm choice, Sollozzo has attempted to kill his father there is no way out for him. He stands, shoots both Sollozzo and McCluskey, the pop of the wine at the beginning of the sequence foreshadowed the pop of the gun as they go straight into Sollozzo and McCluskey killing them both. Before Michael leaves the restaurant we see him linger for a moment, he can't believe what he has just done and is in a little shock, then we see Michael leave the restaurant in a rush, his head down as though he is ashamed.