I never understood what role the senator ultimately served. Hagen got the senator under his thumb later with the whole prostitute scenario, but how did that help Michael with the court proceedings? He just went and recused himself when he could have been more help if he stayed on as Michael’s puppet on that committee.
The best part of the movie would be this: a scene (after the murder hotel scene), where the senator is counting bills to pay the price of the lincese for Michael! xD
The funniest thing is, Vito wanted Michael to become a politician, namely a senator. In this scene Michael literally puts the senator to his place, meaning that he has become even bigger, he evolved into a puppet master
although I like the sentiment I don't think this analysis is right. Vito also had senators and other politicians on his payroll, mostly greasy guys like Geary who are limited in what they can do. I think what Vito meant was that Michael, as a legitimate politician, could access levers of influence that Vito could not through guys like Geary
Vito dreamed Michael would become a legitimate big shot like a senator or governor because he was the rich Corleone kid that went to college and the military and could access the highest legitimate levels of power. Maybe even start a dynasty like the Kennedys.
When Michael says "We're both part of the same hypocrisy," is one of the greatest quotes, ever, because politicians can be more corrupt than the mobsters.
@@jephrokimbo9050 Yes, JK, that s perhaps a bit more polite What an amazing, obvious criminal cartel we have running things As Alex Jones says, it s like aliens from deep space have arrived and they re blowing things up... from our supply chain to food processing plants and forced gene therapy injections to alter our genetic makeup We re truly in an Orwellian clownworld, strapped into a rocket sled to hell
And (AND) He didnt even think to mention Insurance companies! Of course that was several years before they dropped the terms "Black Hand," and "Protection Rackets" and started calling themselves "State Farm" or "Citizens," and became even MORE greedy and even "Legal!" Just sayin!
Everyone thinks Hagen is soft because he’s on the business side. He was a street kid that survived on his own for many months and was later befriended by Santino, who recognized and respected strength.
Chilling how as the senator is reclined and panicking, you can see the reflection of the murdered women just staring at him in the mirror. Absolutely subtle and amazing framing
G.D. Spradling, who played the senator, was a very wealthy Texas oilman and attorney. Acting was his hobby. He had more money than most of the stars he worked with.
Wes Mcgee did G.D. Spradlin initially get the parts because he financed the movies or did they actually respect his acting talent. He does a really good job here.
The Senator correctly pronouncing Corleone after butchering it during his speech was a nice touch. Showed just how much arrogance and disdain he had towards Michael.
It shows how racist he was towards Italians. He's basically saying they're not worth pronouncing their names correctly because they really don't belong here.
@@anguruso Yeah, good point. Though making a point of then saying it correctly in private was a way of letting Michael know he little he thought of him and his family.
They murdered the Senator's favorite girl just like they murdered Jack Woltz's favorite horse. She died for Michael's gaming license and the horse died for Johnny Fontane's film career. Cold-blooded revenge and extortion. The Corleone Family were not above murdering innocents to further their ambitions
What's absolutely crazy is that Irish and Italian immigrants back in the day were basically treated as "not white" or like a lesser form of white than others, though not anymore. The hypocrisy is astounding. Yup, we can come occupy the land of native Americans, but not you, you're not the right kind of white. Unreal
@@christiansoldier77 True but it still would have been vastly improved if Robert Duvall had been in it. From a 2 out of 10 to maybe a 5 or 6. Far from the 10s of part 1 & 2 but again, would have improved it.
@@christiansoldier77 I disagree. If Duvall was in the third film, we would get the final confrontation between Michael and Hagen, which would be way more emotional to us than the plot we ultimately got. 1st film: Michael killed his brother-in-law 2nd: Michael killed his own older brother. 3rd: Michael killed his own consigliere, and pretty much his most loyal associate.
"We are both part of same hypocrisy" Amazing statement. . This movie explaining the corruption of the political system is the same as mafia which absolutely golden statement.
The Senator was crooked as hell just like the Mafia, but then he has the audacity to try and use his extortion scheme as a way to take the moral high ground by saying he doesn't like Michael's shady family coming out to his own and ruining it, while at the same time taking a dig at Italians (oily hair and the suits). Not to mention his habit of hanging around whore houses while putting on that facade of upstanding family man. Hypocrisy at it's finest. He was a fool to go in there and basically dare Michael to do something about it and then he set himself up perfectly by getting caught with the dead hooker in a brothel run by Fredo. Dumb hick! Now Michael has him at his mercy for the rest of his life.
They are hypocrites and criminals. They shouldn't be glamorized. Killed a woman , with nothing just to bribe a Senator who could lose by the next election.
Of all the murders and violence in these films, this slaughter of the girl just to ensnare the senator is the most evil act. Far worse even than Michael killing his own brother. She was chosen for the part and despatched like a farm animal.
"This girl has no family. Nobody.. knows that she worked here." She was 100% sex trafficked by the Corleone's. She was essentially a farm animal, a chattel slave. Still exists in the real world today, believer it or not.
In real life once you sink to a level where you commit despicable acts like the murder of an innocent girl you are without bravery, honer or remorse you have sold your soul. Live your life and never attack innocent people. This one scene tarnished all of the Godfather movies for me, I am happy to see they did show them to be without honer. The Mafia did help some persecuted people but most of what they did was evil.
You know with the right drugs awakening him bringing him around and the right drugs going the other way with the girl let’s say there was there five minutes of those two ships passing in the night just five minutes one way and then the other way man and woman (an interval )one coming in and one going out of it it could be done they would have a couple minutes to ice and freeze down the girl to make her cold to the touch maybe the air conditioner was turned down to 65 there’s other ways of acting through this and playing the part to perfection and pulling the wool over his eyes and even the audiences I think it could be done with a girl that would have not had to die it’s possible remember all things are possible it is an absurd deception of gargantuan proportion yes but it could be done . ..the towels ,the blood ,the crotch ,she feels so lifeless think about it try to do it and imagine yourself a powerful politician it’s sort of like the king has no clothes? Kind of like that and then five minutes is all we need to pull it off everybody is in on it but him… after the scene the girl is up and alive I used to party much I got pretty wiped out there are times upon looking at someone and looking at the dead girl who you think is dead and Tom Hagen Tom Hagen what are you doing here ?I just don’t know what happened he says in confusion and apprehension don’t worry about it says Tom or at least that’s the way I would’ve wrote it it is a possibility so this way they are really truly play acting and Feeling the Sharp claws of a lion or a tiger while they are sedated they don’t remember nothing when the anesthesia wears off they come around …does the Lion in The man or the Tiger in the girl… we all get tricks played on us the all good Man /politician revered servant of ours?well while fooling around The shock is not his lying eyes but hers he is truthful he has a belief and a religious man at that you see what I mean really they only have to fool him After all we do not have to fool a mighty hosta like God just a man I’m laughing he’s forgive me if I am irreverent I am sorry I apologize take this apology if my apology is not enough ?if it is not I can give each and everyone of you that is even reading this I will satisfy you oh you you and $200,000 I’m Asking you the audience please except this and then I will be redeemed let me give it to you please whatever I can give I mean I’m just goofing around 123456789but it can be done But do forgive me I was just having some fun and try to open your mind to that though and let me know what you think my name is Jeff I might say carry-on Either way both one and two are great films and absolute masterpieces they just have a couple of cracks here and there
I hate when people say GF romanticize Mafia and present them better and more honorable then they truly are. What is more evil and ruthless then killing innocent girl? Or killing your own brother.
@@AlexandrusMegus Seriously? The circumstances behind that "friendship" is the linchpin of the Corleone expansion in Nevada. Everything becomes smooth sailing after the unfortunate demise of a whore that has no family and won't be missed. Yeah, that's a pretty profound thing Tom is telling the distraught Senator... indeed pretty _badass._
I love Robert Duvall as Tom. His facial expressions, eye movements are so extra. He's analyzing every spoken word of his targets. He gives his summation to Michael, later.
@@Wafaloo Have you read much Shakespeare? How about Aristotle or Plato? Those who are most confident in their abilities for conveying thought are also less obedient to the rules of grammar. What about Foucault or Derrida? Read much of them? They encourage readers to pick language apart, making quibbling tedious critics of their students while stunting their creativity.
One of my personal favorite scenes in the whole movie. "Senator, we're all part of the same hypocrisy". Michael called it beautifully. And the self-control he demonstrated would have put Sonny to shame. Let's face it; Sonny would have beaten that senator to a bloody pulp. Michael simply bided his time and got him back later.
You underestimate Sonny. In deleted scene, he still can think brightly after he knew his father got shot. He still can keep his head together after probably the worst event in his life. I think in this situation, yes, probably Sonny get angry a little bit and arguing with Senator Geary, but to lay his hand on Geary? Sonny wouldn't do anything reckless like that.
@@alvifadhollah Oh, you mean not doing anything reckless like taking a cruise in the open Long Island sound, "alone", while in the height of a Gangwar without even one bodyguard? "TOLL"! 🤔
is a double cheeseburger the same as a double from wendys? both sell burgers, both have double burgers, both love their family... im thinking theres a correlation, if not a connection...
@@weege001 In-N-Out is way better than Wendy's, burger-wise. Just as Wendy's is way better than McDonalds, burger-wise. But the distance between In-N-Out is way bigger than the other. Also, In-N-Out doesn't franchise in the normal fast food franchise way.
Pretty sure the old traditional mafias looked down upon whores as classless slobs, petty objects, and cheap thrills. Kind of contradiction when even then they were pimping hoes out. Offing one beared no comparison to killing an innocent family member. The Sopranos show on the other hand portrayed the normalization of adultery among organized crime.
@@ToyKingWonder Apologies, but I am was not able to find your other comment. Not sure if there is a good way to search through the youtube comment section to find comments by username. I do agree with what you have said here though.
0:55 I love how Michael stops to watch him take his medication. The gears in his head are already turning for how they can drug Geary and set him up later at the brothel.
Never think the mafia only kills those "who deserve it." That poor ghost of a girl lost her life for their business interests. Stone cold killers indeed.
No, she lost her life doing weird sex stuff with the senator. She was already long gone by the time the mafia got involved. And why would they whack the senator when they could just blackmail him
@@ppuh6tfrz646 1:59 "I don't like you kind of people. I don't like to see you come out to this country and your oily hair...try to pass yourselves off as 'decent Americans.'" He's absolutely racist/xenophobic against Italian immigrants.
Such a chilling revenge scene. They put him through the shock of thinking her murdered someone. The more you think of the implications of how morbid that is the worse it gets. From that moment on he was forever enslaved by the mob.
mankind has been throughly 'corrupt ' .. since we were 'kicked ' out of the garden ... after telling the "CREATOR" ... we knew better than "HIM" .......
There's more quotes and nuance in this six minutes than most movies manage in their entirety, the Canon pointing at Michael, The pill popping, Hagan's 'All that's left is our friendship' the disdain in the 'Corleone' pronunciation etc etc. Film as art at its finest.
You know Hagen and Michael had done their homework. They knew full well how deep the senator was in the hypocrisy. That’s the only way he makes that offer so confidently.
@@derms Yes! General Corman*: "Terminate the colonel's command." Then "Jerry" says "Terminate with extreme prejudice." and offers a cigarette to Captain Willard. Cue music! (love the name, after Roger Corman)
@@LAdavidthompson Have you seen the new cut? It's now called Mario Puzo's The Godfather: The Death of Michael Corleone, I think I experienced it better than before but not many changes were made.
@@skeltonknaggs1600 Fair enough and point taken but Tom Hagen was not their biological brother anyway and wouldn't be expected to look like them. But, yes, even the biological brothers (and their father, Vito) didn't look anything alike. For that matter, Vito Corleone in Godfather I did not look like Vito Corleone in Godfather II. I think it might have been more than an age difference.
@@williamthomas1811 I know the Tom Hagen story, just wanted to make a point. Coppola in my humble opinion struggles with casting decisions. Not so much in Godfather 1, & 2, but most definitely in 3. Which in my opinion included Al Pacino. Michael in Godfather 1, and 2, most definitely was not Michael in Godfather 3
I love the way Al Neri appears at the door, with a towel in his hands, subtly suggesting he's washing his hands of a crime, and then Tom waves him off as to say, we got the senator where we want him, job done. One of many absolutely wonderful scenes. Pure genius.
Neri is one of the most interesting characters in book. I'm aware they couldn't put his story in movie but I cant help myself. Its just the way it goes
"Senator... You and I are both part of the same hypocrisy." As true now as it was then. The Italian mob is not as influential as it once was, but corporate lobbyists certainly are.
That line was taken from the movie "Bullitt" Politician Robert Vaughn talking to Detective Steve McQueen "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Integrity is something you sell...."
If you notice, Michael had great respect for the Senator even bending down half way before sitting down and only sitting after the Senator sat down. After he realizes the senator has no respect for him and is unreasonable, he becomes unreasonable himself as a way to insult him.
Michael knows the Senator can be useful to him. It's not really respect. It's when the Senator makes it clear that he will be a problem for Michael that his attitude changes.
@@TacoMeat555 I don’t hate the move, in fact I love it. I have read the books as well. I am just perplexed how people lionise flawed characters. Perhaps you do too and you’re getting defensive at my critique of these interpretations. Alas - perhaps you need to relax about my comment.
@@1601tgc Agree. I hate criminals and mobsters and directors like Coppola and Scorcese seem to try and excuse their actions by pointing out hypocrisy in the system. Neither is good so why excuse one for the other? The worst was Wolf of Wall Street where it not only presents Jordan Belfort as some kind of rebel but actually has him in the film at the end promoting himself.
Acting is about what you don't do as much as what you do. Look at Robert Duvall in this scene. His expressions and posture convey so much without any words. Pacino does not rave and scream, he is ice cold. Excellent cinema.
@@sweetcarbine wtf are you talking about? None of what you said, makes ANY sense. The senator had zero idea what was going on (which is why Tom angrily motioned his head for Al to get out of the doorway). ALL the senator is focused on, is how to get away with "murder" because he's a senator. Tom covering everything up and saying "all that's left, is our friendship" is his way of saying, you owe us a favor, now.
@@sweetcarbine Tom says 2 names: Fredo (because it's HIS place)....and Michael (which the senator was JUST at Michael's house in Lake Tahoe) In zero way is this "evidence" 😂😂😂😭😭😭
@@sweetcarbine The Senator is fucked because he racially insulted Michael and his family. They knew he was a hypocritical POS, and this act ensures he does what is told of him, or else they expose him and he goes to prison for life or is executed. I have zero sympathy for that filth!
This is brilliant acting and writing. Pacino and Duvall and GD Spradlin as the Senator and John Cazale as Fredo. Genius actors. The writing captured the hypocracy of politics and business and life. Francis Ford Coppola was a genius.
The reason this scene is so impressive to me is because of the subtle things. Specially at the face Tom Hagen makes when the senator tells Michael he doesn’t like his kind coming out to this clean country. Tom is thinking exactly what the audience is thinking… Michael is a Marine. A war veteran. He literally risked his life for this country. A nice touch on the fact the senator literally had no idea of the person he’s messing with.
Not really, tom knows that the senator is dirty as he can get although he maintains a clean face to the public, he just hates Italians , hence Michael says we are both in the same hypocrizy but his family is not like him. Senetor talks as if he's a clean American not dirty but tom and Micheal both know how dirty he is that's why tom gives that look.
@@waltershumer4211 senator, we’re part of the same hypocrisy. But don’t ever think it applies to my family. He doesn’t deny it. But saying that he came out to this clean country? With his oily hair? Please.
I love the way Michael Corleone took a moment to address the disrespect, in a calm manner, no shouting, no bravado and he's calculating his next move !!
Duvall's understated performance is the anchor to The Godfather & Part II. In each scene Tom Hagen moves undetected, then delivers his punch. Dude should have nabbed Best Supporting Actor
Yeah and it's a pity he wasn't in the third Godfather. There was a row over money so that's why he wasn't in the third.. not sure he would have saved it though
@@timmydonlon3458 There was a lot wrong with the third one, but having Duvall in it would have certainly improved things a lot. Maybe not "saved it" but elevated it from trash to barely decent.
@@Archedgar smh the movie was not trash. I'm sick of you Godfather bandwagon idiots, who were so enamored by the first 2, that you say the 3rd was trash. Godfather 3 was brilliant
I agree 100%. He was perfect for that role. These two scenes actually add little to the story, but he plays them so well that they become highlights nonetheless.
His role as the general in Apocalypse Now was performed brilliantly as well. There's something special about a character actor that keeps turning up in top films...
The Senator became a quick friend after this scene. The "Italian-Americans are some of the most hard-working...." speech at the Senate hearing was a classic.
Awesome work by G.D. Spradlin in this. Here's an interesting quote from his IMDb biography page: "(He) Didn't begin acting until his 40s, after serving in World War II in China with the Army Air Force. He worked as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum, then made his fortune as an independent oil producer."
Coppola is a master writer. His films he wrote in the 70s alone are all masterpieces. Patton, Godfather Part 1 and 2, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now. Granted he had co-writers on most of those scripts but his talent is still evident.
A fine supporting turn by the great G.D. Spradlin. He splendidly conveys the senator's corrupt nature. Spradlin has a wonderful scene in the film as Duvall's Tom Hagen confronts the pitiful politico.
Spradlin apparently came up with the line where his character General Corman quotes Lincoln on “the better angels of our nature” in APOCALYPSE NOW. After which Coppola accused him of padding his small role, though he quickly added, “it’s a GOOD pad.”
As many times as I have seen this movie, I learn something new with each viewing. When the Senator casually sits down he opens up a pillbox and takes what appears to be either aspirin or possibly an antacid. This is foreshadowing how they will get to him, similar to the infamous horse scene in Godfather I.
the difference between him and his father was that the old man wouldn't show anger. He'd probably just smile and nod and politely dismiss the senator, and thank him for showing up.. and then take care of business.
In fact, the senator says the right things about mafia corrupting America. On the other side, he is the one who lets this happen. And that is what Michael reminds him of. G.D. Spradlin was a good actor. “Before he turned to acting, he was active in local politics, and he campaigned for John F. Kennedy in 1959”.
So many movies miss the mark on turning an authors story into their vision of a film but these guys did such a fantastic job showing the patience and pure evil and resolve to stay in power
@@SantomPh If you've read any of Puzo's books you'd agree that the Godfather trilogy captured the essence of his narrative even though the book The Godfather is different to the movie in many ways yet still captures the Don's and Michael's resolve. Very Machiavelli
This movie is a masterpiece based on the incredible performances of the supporting cast. Spradlin was perfect and so was Strasberg and Gazzo of course.
Exactly. Initially critics predicted the movie would fall very short at box office due to Clemenza being replaced by Pentangelli last minute, however Gazzo immediately changed minds and once film hit theaters, that “rumor” ceased immediately.
The camera panning towards Tom and his reaction to certain comments in the meeting shows the brilliance of Coppola's directing. Adds so much power to the scene.
There's the disappointment when Tom realizes the secret was already out on the Coreone move against the casino. He knows he screwed up. The later shots are him realizing that they're going to have to go through with their plan, and an innocent person was going to have to be killed.
@@Seattle-2017 Frankly I think the plan to trap the Senator was entirely Toms decision. Michael and Tom assumed the senator was dirty and it would be an easy deal to bribe him I don't believe they already had a backup plan in place. This meeting took place hours before the assassination attempt and Michael left immediately after so everything that happened was planned by Tom including murdering the girl.
I never thought about the significance of the pill bottle. Bad move. One, he showed weakness in front of the Corleone’s; two, he opened himself for the drugging incident later on when he woke up in the bed of a dead prostitute. It’s a subtle nod, but I think it’s a valid connection nonetheless.
Michael Corleone was always at least one step ahead of his enemies/business partners. He knew the Senator's vices and habits well before this meeting was arranged. And he chose this senator because of those vices. The looks on Miachel and Hagen's faces as the Senator left was because they knew now what had to be done, and it couldn't be avoided.
I always find it interesting how in the beginning of the scene, Michael is trying to conduct himself as a legitimate businessman because he wants to be that so bad. Once the senator shows his true colors and makes Michael realize that even legitimate businessmen are sharks, he basically says “Fuck this” and shows how he can truly do business.
It is really powerful to see how this US Senator has nothing but contempt for Michael Corleone and his "oily hair". This racist remark says a lot about the views and attitudes of certain groups towards immigrants, whether they are considered white or otherwise.
@@juanmallqui9309 Italians have never been fully accepted as white. Irish and Polish too to a lesser extent. They also don't get the perks blacks and Hispanics do. They and Asian-Americans are the real victims of America.
"My offer is this....nothing, not even the fee for the gaming license which I would appreciate if you would put up personally" Senator knew he was fucked when Michael said that.
I like what Michael said "Senator we're both apart of the same hypocrisy but don't think it applies to my family." meaning Michael knows that he's a criminal and the senator is a criminal but it doesn't apply to everybody who's related to him. That is some deep commentary.
Not at all. Most cop or crime movies juxtapose the "lawman" (here a Senator rather than a detective -- nice twist) with the "criminal" (also an elevation here to mafia boss) as two sides of the same coin. Heat does this famously, American Gangster too. Even Dirty Harry plays with the trope of lawless lawman. Again here it's a twist to lawmaker but I think it works as Michael is also top of the food chain in his world.
That is a clear concise depiction of the situation.. people read to much into things like this..Mike is a criminal, so is this slimy politician..in other words, just like now: xiden and pelosi and fauci and killary are the biggest criminals in the country outside of bill gates maybe..
Yes, it's a great line from Michael Corleone. I think it's motivated by the importance of family relations in the old Italian/Sicilian culture. Sure, Michael was raised in the US and went to college here. But he inherited his father's operation, and he still inhabits the strong Mediterranean notion of family honor.
It does apply to all related to him besides his children and other kids of the family. They all do what they do or choose to marry criminals like kay did.
I love how thoughtful Michael always was. No matter what was said he remained cool and never just responded without giving his words some consideration.
@@ronyeahright9536michael was never cool minded with family. No one has to be cool minded and sharp and clever with family. Family is your home, you trust and love your family. Michael was a fox with people he considered threat. Thats how its works. The sad part was Michael family was not his family. No one loved him, not his sister, not his in laws, not his brothers, nor his workers, not his children even. Each one betrayed. A man can handle this much only. What Michael needs was one other young Michael to handle the buisness along him, no one came. Sad
@@servantofallah9425 what you're saying is not true; his brothers loved him. Fredo unwittingly betrayed him out of stupidity, but he loved him. His parents loved him, especially his father. His sister loved and cared for him in his old age. His children loved him, especially his daughter, whom he was extremely close with. It's almost as if you've never actually seen the Godfather movies.
