Originally Posted by Turnbull
Originally Posted by Don_Alfonso
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Also something to denote is that when Fredo is disowned by Michael, in the boat house scene, he still has a mustache. Afterwards, when he's nothing anymore, just a ward of the Corleone's - the gypsy who belonged to no one he always feared he was - at Carmela's funeral, he's cleanshaven. That can't have been an accidental choice on Coppola's part - it's like saying, to be vulgar, he got his balls cut off completely.

Astute observation. Hadn't noticed that before.

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Honestly, it almost seems like Michael has a DISDAIN for Italians. He speaks the language, sure, but the culture seems alien to him, despite having lived there. He's almost a self hating Italian.

In a deleted scene from II, when Gardiner Shaw asks for Francesca's hand in marriage, after Michael says yes, he turns to Tom and says, "Make sure her dowry's big--these people think Italian brides go barefoot." It's as if he's speaking of Italians as a species separate from himself.


I think everyone to Michael but him was a species separate from himself, and even he fully didn't understand himself as a human being, just whatever wants, needs or obsessions he had at the time. Like an engine being constantly in motion, not really aware of WHY it is moving, just that it is, and has to be.

Last edited by Don_Alfonso; 06/01/21 01:33 AM.