In GF2 Michael goes to see Mama in her "cabin" and has the "can you lose your family" dialog. The conversation is in Italian. I wonder why. We know Mama speaks English well. She chastizes Connie in English ("you go see your children!") And Michael does not speak Italian well as seen in GF when trying to converse with Sollozzo and then in Sicily with Vitelli. So why this scene? What was FFC trying to convey?

I think FFC was trying to create a mood of intimacy and reaching back to family roots. Michael's talking about his father's behavior, years ago, to his mother; in a room that's darkened, and he's vulnerable. It seems natural for him to speak Italian--a way of reinforcing that Michael's concerned about rock-bottom family values.

To me this seemed perfectly natural. I know from my upbringing, that there are times my parents, who both speak English well, with no accents whatsoever, still speak to each other in Italian a certain times. I agree with TB that it showed intimacy, and seemed appropriate for the mother/son conversation. Also, I think too it is to never lose touch from your native tongue or your roots, maybe as a matter of pride, but also as a reminder of where you came from. Afterall, years of not speaking a language makes it grow dim. It's good to keep your native tongue "alive".

TIS

This topic reminds me of another instance when mamma Corleone speaks in Italian in GODFATHER, PART II. In the begiining at dinner, she speaks to Tom hagen in Italian, which seemed very uncomplimentary about Connie's new boyfriend. Does anyone know what she and Tom were saying?

Hi Alonzo. Mamma tells Tom that Merle[IDIOT] AND Fredo's wife are exactly the same. Tom replies'their both stupid ma'. IF YOU OR ANYONE EVER HAS A ? ABOUT ITALIAN WORDS OR SAYINGS ,PLEASE SEND ME A MESSAGE!! I speak it fluent.CIAO

Thanks for the offer!

It's funny that Mama Corleone would insult Fredo's wife since I'm sure Fredo would understand what she's saying. His self esteem must have been real low at that poitn, which explains why he wanted to work with Johnny Ola and Hyman Roth. Those 2 realized his weakness for acceptance and probably flattered Fredo a lot to get him to do things for them. Not that I excuse Fredo's actions. Helping Ola and Roth out was stupid, just like it was stupid of him to marry that woman.

must be nice to watch the movies without having to read the subtitles..............