Egyptism In The Godfather

The baptism scene of The Godfather showcases some of the best editing in film and plays a critical role in the film as a whole. In this scene viewers watch The juxtaposition between Michael Corleone’s baptismal vow to renounce evil and the merciless slaughter of the heads of the five families to ensure his position of power. This scene demonstrate the haunting reality of who Michael is as now as he is christened into leadership with the blood of all those who stood in his way.

The concept of time is skewed throughout the scene as it constantly jumps back and forth between the few moments taking place at the baptism and the simultaneous hitmen preparing and executing their targets. The preparation of each murder is a long drawn out process just like Michaels planning to retake his position as Godfather. In addition, like the murders and baptism, happen in a single moment. The shots get shorter and shorter as the scene transitions from planning and preparation to the deed signifying build up to the final climactic moment of simultaneous bloodshed. The fast build up forces viewers into a state of suspense and shock as they witness the horrifying side of Michael and them means he will go through to ensure his position as Godfather.
The dialog between Michael and the priest is made up entirely of him believing in God and renouncing the evils of Satan which is completely opposite of what he has ordered to happen. The dialog ceases in between the priest and Michael for us to see the murders taking place. This lets viewers know that Michael sees himself as a righteous man of his own accord. In addition this shows viewers that Michael doesn’t see the evil deeds he has commissioned as evil, rather, he sees them as the necessary step towards his own