In the Presidential Palace Fredo introduces Michael to a judge and a few senators from around the US. As Johnny Ola walks into the scene, it is at a wide shot of the conversation with Michael staring directly at the newcomer. After Michael greets Johnny, the camera cuts to a more focused shot of just Fredo and Johnny with a voiceover of Michael introducing Ola to his brother, believing that they have never met before. Directed towards the audience, Fredo’s actions make him look nervous looking around trying to avoid eye contact with someone he allegedly just met. The scene cuts to a shot looking over Fredo’s shoulder at Johnny, which seems to take the viewpoint of Michael sitting in his seat. After the two shake hands, the scene jumps to a shot of Michael looking over the shoulder of another man. In this part Michael’s expression is clearly visible and marked with suspicion. This cut shows the audience that Michael is gaining knowledge of Fredo’s betrayal, but the angle shows that Fredo is unaware.
In the following scene in the backroom for the Palace the scene gives a wide shot of Fredo, his company, Michael, and his bodyguard. One asks Fredo why they are standing and Fredo replies that everyone stands, but the show is worthwhile, as if he has already seen the spectacle. Michael picks up on that piece of knowledge and stares Fredo down. The scene repeatedly cuts from the performance, to Fredo, to Michael, and back to the stage. The cuts showing the performance sets the scene and backs what Fredo said. The cuts jumping between Michael and Fredo show the increasing tension between the two brothers. After Fredo lets it slip that Johnny Ola showed him this place, the scene moves to a close up of Michael showing an astonished expression on his face and later, a look of disbelief as he puts the pieces of his brother’s betrayal together.
