Michael Corleone and the Senate Hearing: An Analysis

The tension between Michael Corleone and the U.S. Senate during their contentious hearing in The Godfather is woven through with subplots, new witnesses, and a twist ending. In this analysis, we explore the critical elements of Michael’s testimony and the future implications for his criminal enterprise as portrayed in The Godfather series.

Background and Testimony

Frankie Pentangeli, a former ally of the Corleone crime family, recounted his testimony before a congressional committee in The Godfather Part II. His affidavit revealed that although there was no direct evidence of Michael’s involvement in criminal activities, there was a buffer system where orders often bypassed Michael, ultimately reaching Pentangeli. Despite this, the government had no solid grounds to charge Michael without further evidence.

The Senate Hearing and Testimonies

The Senate Committee called Willie Cicci, who accused Michael Corleone of being the head of the Corleone Crime Family. However, Cicci claimed he never spoke directly to Michael, citing the buffer system. To bolster their case, the committee then called Michael Corleone to deny the accusations and explicitly confirmed his innocence. This setup left the committee with a dilemma: how to secure proof that Michael had indeed taken orders for criminal acts.

The Critical Witness and The Pivot

The committee then announced they would call a witness who had taken orders from Michael for criminal activities, setting up a future charge of perjury for Michael if the witness gave the desired testimony. This strategy was executed when Michael and Tom realized that the key witness was Frank Pentangeli. Using a psychological tactic, the Corleones brought over Frank’s brother from Sicily, hoping to break Pentangeli’s resolve. When that didn’t work, pressure to recant began building on Pentangeli.

Tom Corleone, in a critical scene, visited Pentangeli at an army base, providing a subtle ultimatum: choose suicide to protect his brother, or face dire consequences. This vivid scene, as implemented, served to effectively end any testimony that could incriminate Michael.

Twist Ending and Emotional Resolution

Ultimately, Pentangeli, unable to withstand the pressure, committed suicide. His body was found in a bathtub, symbolizing social, familial, and moral sundering. This heartbreaking turn of events not only resolved the immediate crisis for Michael but also underscored the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral cost of power.

Conclusion

In retrospective analysis, the Senate hearing in The Godfather series plays a crucial role in developing the overall narrative arc of the film. It showcases the intricate balance of power, the complex relationships within the crime family, and the dire consequences of siding against the Corleones. Despite the intense pressure and the moral dilemma, Michael walks free, cementing his place as a formidable and persuasive figure in the underworld.