Scene Missing

Revisited The Godfather with BGreazy the other night. Having not seen it since its original release on DVD, we were both struck how iconic each and every scene has become. Besides Casablanca, I can't think of another film that is so instantaneously memorable that you can practically project every beat of dialogue and music cue in your head. It is truly one of the landmarks that earns such a distinction.

Having said that, there is one scene in particular that left me wanting more. Don Corleone has just returned home after recovering from his near fatal assassination. Still bed-ridden and quite weak, he's welcomed back by the entire family, less Michael, whose hiding in Italy after the Solazzo hit.

Recognizing his father's need for rest, Sonny ushers everyone out except for Fredo who remains. What could have been a cathartic plea for forgiveness, simply cuts to the next scene. It would've been nice to give Brando and Cazele the space to verbalize a father's love for a son's misgivings. Or perhaps Coppola meant to imply an internalized monologue. Maybe it went something like this:

(EXT. CORLEONE COMPOUND)

...as Sonny directs the family's processional exit, Fredo, the black sheep of the black hand remains. He sits by his father's side, holds his hand, and seeks a silent forgiveness.

FREDO:

I'm sorry Pop. You're lyin' here weak because I wasn't strong.

I'm not like Sonny or Mike. If they were there, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
I don't know, but it's my fault. Forgive me please.

I swear Pop, the gun jumped right out of my hand, and I couldn't catch it.

I was so scared, I couldn't even hold you as you lay there with your blood flowin'

down the street.

What could I do, Pop?

I was frozen.

I was scared.

Please, Pop, forgive me.

I love you and I failed you.

I'll do better next time.

Or at least I'll try.

I'm sorry.