The first words that greet audiences in The Godfather Coda are: “Don Corleone, I need your help.”
This mirrors the iconic opening of The Godfather, wherein Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) is greeted by Amerigo Bonasera.
The Godfather Part III opens with Michael’s (Al Pacino) abandoned Lake Tahoe Vegas compound and the presence of Mary (Sofia Coppola) and Tony (Franc D’Ambrosio) in the papal commendation ceremony.
The lavish celebrations that follow serve to establish key dynamics within The Godfather's Corleone family, and the plot circling Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia).
The Godfather Coda opens with an entreaty from the archbishop, a scene which appeared in the original at around the 40-minute mark. The placement of this particular scene in the opening provides a solid foundation for the Coda cut, as everything that follows seems to seamlessly spring forth naturally from this interesting exchange. The omission of certain introductory scenes effectively eliminates unnecessary narrative baggage, as they only served to alienate audiences further in the theatrical cut of The Godfather Part III.
Moreover, the placement of this scene also brings greater clarity to Michael’s psyche, and the inner workings of his mind, when he demands a controlling interest in the Immobiliare conglomerate. The overarching theme of forgiveness and expiation for Michael is also introduced in the dialogue, setting the focus of The Godfather Coda from the get-go. . .
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