As I was watching Tessio's final scene a few minutes ago, it occurred to me how really chilling and at the same time sad that moment is...seeing him confidently walk out of the house with Tom, be casually approached by Cicci, spurned by Tom and then suddenly surrounded by the other buttons and in that instant realizing what was going on and that it was all over.

So much happens in those few seconds. And unlike the death of Carlo which many of us revel in, I think watching these last moments of Tessio is a truly sad experience.

Apple

Right on Apple. There is also in that scene Tom looking out of the window as Tessio is taken away. He looks forlorn. As he would later say, "The Corleone family used to be like the Roman Empire."

Well said, Apple. And he's almost poignant when he says, "Tom can you get me off the hook? For old time's sake." It's on the thin edge of a plea, but he pulls back from being maudlin or hysterical (like Carlo) because he knows he's about to get what he deserves.

It is especially poignant because Tessio knows his fate is sealed, and even after Tom tells him "Cant do that Sallie," Tessio asks Tom to tell Mike that he always liked him, and this was just business. Because Tessio knew the price he would pay as a traitor, he had to know his plea was in vain, because the plea to let him off the hook "for old times' sake" was a personal plea, and this execution was just business.

Yes, he really did know his plea was in vain which was probably why it was asked so halfheartedly...definitely said out of pure emotion, knowing he had nothing to lose but may as well try anyway.

And I belive it is BEFORE making that plea that Tessio tells Tom to tell Mike it was 'only business'. Which makes the final plea even twice as poignant.

Apple

Of all the "business men" that were killed in the GF movies, perhaps Tessio died the most dignified death. As stated earlier, he apparently did like Michael and did what he did because of business. After all, Michael complimented him on the move. And, of course, he knew he had to pay the price when he found out that he had bet on the wrong horse - so to speak. He realized his situation, understood it, and accepted it. Who else would've left such a parting message to the man who ordered his death?

I agree with what was said earlier. His plea to Tom was almost half-hearted. He knew he was done for. That whole scene was one of the most striking scenes in the entire trilogy for me. For lack of a better word, there was Tessio's grace. And we also saw how cold-hearted and business like Tom was too.

BTW, did the book mention how Tessio was whacked? I'm guessing that he was driven out into the country side and shot. And I'm also guessing that the men showed him some respect in doing it.

I've read the book several times, but I don't recall any details of Tessio's execution.

No, the novel doesn't give any aditional details.

He's simply put in the waiting car and driven off.

(And please -- no one mention how Weingardner describes it in TGFR so I don't have to write my standard answer about how that book has no more credibility than anyone else's opinion with respect to events not portrayed or described by FFC or MP.)

That Weingardner fellow tries to depict Tessio's execution in the very beginning of GF Returns. He brings in a 'new' character and give this big dramatic account and tries to spice it up with blood, brains etc....but to tell the truth it kind've leaves you cold. You get the feeling it wasn't really necessary but was thrown in to hook or somehow satisfy the reader who's supposedly been waiting 30 years to find out how this guy died.

Completely unimpressive.

By comparison, reading the second-by-second account of Sonny's death in The Godfather gave me chills even though I'd seen it depicted on film hundreds of times.

Apple

Tessio's final scene is the finest scene in the trilogy, and its encapsulated by one moment. When Tom says 'I can't go either Sal' and the other guys surround him...Tessio looks Tom DEAD in the eye for about 10 seconds. That moment of acting supremecy by Vigoda spoke absolute volumes in the space of a few moments. In that span of time Tessio realizes he has been found out, that everyone around him knows...and that he is going to die...all that in just one look...absolute genius!

More like 1 second, I think.

The entire scene takes about 10 seconds.

Apple

No, its longer then a second. probably less then 10, i'll compromise at 5.

Do you always have to contradict people. I try and say something passionate about a scene and you're always there with some putdown. Just becuase you think you are the senior GF fan

It wasn't a 'putdown', I just don't agree that Tessio looks at Tom for a full 10 seconds. That would simply be endless.

From the moment Cicci walks up to Tom & Sal to when Tom motions the guys to take him away...just about 10 seconds have gone by.

The rest of your post is pretty accurate, in fact it's almost identical to mine which opened the thread.

Apple

Not always...only when they're wrong.

Sr GF Fan,
(except for Turnbull, Don Cardi & Sicilian Babe)

Apple

See, I don't think I am wrong. There is no way that scene lasts 10 seconds, go time it, go on! I suspect you have nothing better to do, other then look for posts to rip apart and then accuse of plaigerism to your own. I actually wrote a much longer winded account of that scene a couple of years ago when I first signed up.

And you ain't the senior GF fan because any true fan would RESPECT others and not constantly mock them like some buffoon

Reminded me of "Not everybody Tom, only my enemies"

You're right.

You're wrong.

Apple

No. I'm right. Well I don't care how 'made' you are on here. I'm not going to take your unneeded mockery lying down.

HF, you appear to be pre-occupied with references to BB status.

Earlier you suggested that I think I'm a 'senior GF fan', and now in your most recent post you refer to how seemingly 'made' I am on here.

Frankly, neither of the above ever occurred to me or probably anybody else.

What I do is discuss the GF movies and various other topics and yes, do admittedly at times display an attitude which some people have trouble dealing with.

That's not my family, HF...that's me.

Speaking of 'unneeded mockery', I can't help but notice your numerous contribution to another thread in which my screen name is inserted into variousl GF dialogue. That's fine, I've been enjoying you guys having some fun and there's really no harm done.

But I suggest that instead of putting on some demeanor of trying to take me on, just be yourself and discuss the films and take it like a man when somebody happens to disagree with your interpretations of various scenes and characters.

See you soon,
AppleOnYa

Well, I wouldn't be if you were actually pulled up for insultng members opinions

So, you won't mind if someone comes back at you with an attitude you don't like dealing with, and that member has every right to when he is constantly told to watch the films and listen like he didn't before.


No, no. That was needed mockery, as one of the people (that don't exist) who also took exception to you spoke out, and as you had already quoted and mocked me that day, I felt obliged to say something too.

It ain't no demeanor love. Up to now I've been putting one on, accepting your annoying ways for the sake of peacwe, but you are pushing me too far when you rubbish me, not disagreeing, but rubbishing, and I can't have that.

Be Lucky

Oh, I see...you are now to decide what is 'needed' and 'unneeded' mockery.



Keep it coming, HF...I'm really beginning to enjoy your posts.

Apple

If its in retaliation then its needed. If its not then it isn't. I decide for myself yes thats right.

In direct contrast, Im not enjoying yours. And its a shame because you clearly are a major GF fan, its a shame you have to overshadow it with all this pseudo bravado

Ok, BOTH of you can cut it out now. There are now two different topics where you two have gone at it. And you know what they say about three strikes, right?

Cardi's Last Stand

If either of you feel the need to continue this, then please take it to a PM.


Don Cardi

Agreed, Don Cardi. This got way too silly and beyond the original topic.

Of course, what I would like to do is delete my first post and therefore the entire thread....BUT I CAN'T!!!!!

Best,
AppleOnYa

Well, it got out of hand because of yourself.

How about editing out the bad posts and leaving the nice ones in?

Wadda bunch o' sissie-mary's. You both woulda been shot dead by now - or kicked in the street with a running fire hydrant spraying water all over you.

A-hem

I just wanted to mention that, in the novel, Tom makes a plea to Mike to see if Tessio "can get off the hook." Michael says "no way."

You see, Tom did want Tessio to be saved, and the fact that he couldn't save him when Tessio later asked to be saved probably hurt Tom even more. If Tessio had accepted his fate in silence, Tom may have been able to live with himself without a second look back out the winda.

I also think this is too ruthless. Perhaps Micheal can forgive Tessio,the loyal friend of Vito for decades. And after Tessio is thrown out of his position he can do no harm.

it's all so interesting because in the novel it is Tom who tells Kay that treachery can't be forgiven.

Sad? Yes but only for a milisecond... it was Tessio or Michael(the Corleone family).... he made a decision and paid the price. He should have stood by Michael.

I wonder if Tom was Cicci's buffa for this job.