The ending scene of Godfather Part II uses still camera shots, panning, and flashback scenes to capture Michael’s regrets in taking over the family business. The scene opens with Sonny’s entrance to the dining room on Vito Corleone’s birthday, before the events of Godfather Part I. As the family discusses America’s entrance to World War II, tensions rise. This rising tension is accompanied by a change in camera angle from a side view of the table to shots of faces. The camera shifts back to this angle when Michael emphasizes that he “has [his] own plans for [his] future.” Again, close up shots are used to underscore the important historical and familial messages of the film.
As Fredo, Sonny and Tom rise to greet Vito on his birthday, the camera returns to the distant view of the family. However, as we wait to see Michael leave the room and the camera follow to Vito’s entrance, the camera stays on Michael, who remains seated. This choice explains that despite the attention given to Vito Corleone’s history, the film’s true focus is Michael. A three-second transition of Michael waving on the train intercalates Vito’s birthday scene and Michael’s brooding over the past. Michael lost Sonny, Fredo, and his father to the crime business he now leads-something we are reminded he never wanted a part of in the first place. The imagery of this transition accentuates the innocence Michael had failed to preserve, and his inevitable fall to the family business that cost him just that-his family.
