MovieChat Forums > The Godfather (1972) Discussion > Important moment - lighting Enzo's cigar...

Important moment - lighting Enzo's cigarette

posted 4 years ago by jekporkins (1973)
4 replies | jump to latest

I'm rewatching and I love the part where Michael is at the hospital and he realizes hitmen are coming to kill his father. He sees Enzo the baker come in and tells him to meet him out front. They stand there and try to look like guards. When the hitmen show up Michael reaches into his pocket like he has a gun and they take off.

Then Enzo tries to light a cigarette but he's shaking with fear. Michael calmly takes the lighter and lights the smoke. He stares at his hands and realizes he isn't shaken. His nerves were steel, he was calm, collected, and resolved in his actions. He's realizing he's built for this life. In the next scene, he's sitting in the chair with confidence and is ready to take the next step - planning the hit on McCluskey and Sollozzo.

It's these little moments in the script that really make this movie a standout.

[–] AckbarsRevenge (3800) 3 years ago

Brilliant observation, Jek Porkins.
On a side note: will you be returning in the upcoming Obi Wan Kenobi series?

[–] jekporkins (1973) 3 years ago

I go where you send me, Admiral.

[–] roreyking (606) 3 years ago

That's your idea of a brilliant observation? It's pretty obvious that the point is to show Michael’s sangfroid. Claiming that Michael is "realizing he's built for this life" is a stretch.

[–] UdoConstantini (117) 3 years ago

I agree with your point that this is a key scene, but I think it provides more insight to the audience than to Michael. Michael was a marine who fought in WWII and was decorated. I have to imagine he had already realized that he had very steady nerves and was cool as a cucumber under fire.