Watching the GF and II this weekend, I re-noticed somethings about Tom when he met with Woltz and then again in II.

When he meets with Woltz during dinner, Woltz engages in his hugely emotional tirade. Yet, Tom in the face of this verbal assault remains impassive and continues to devour his meal. Of course, Tom's passivity is understandable since, as the novel explains, the Don had never broken a promise and would not break his promise to his godson about obtaining for him the coveted role in Woltz's upcoming film. Duval played that scene perfectly. It is similar to the scene when Michael meets with Carlo near the end of the film. Michael is like the shark circling his prey; the shark fears nothing and there is no escape for his prey. In the same vein, Tom knows that Woltz's words cannot prevail against the Don's words and, even more so, the Don's will.

In II, there is the scene where Michael meets with Ola and excludes Tom from that meeting. The camera shows Tom's exit from the meeting as Tom feigns a smile and pleasing words about his being right outside if needed by Michael. The camera stays with Tom as he enters the enclosed vestibule where he clears out the kids who were seated there. Tom lingers for a few seconds as his demeanor portrays his absolute disappointment and even sadness at being excluded. Duvall played that scene masterfully.