THE BOOK OF REIGN

Vito Corleone collapsed and died in the house garden while playing with his grandson, Anthony (Michael s son), and Michael became the Don, not just the fill in for his father. During the Christening of Connie s second child, Michael orders the deaths of five of his enemies. Moe Green, Barzini, Tattaglia, and finally Michael has complete control.

The last scene of the film, the most powerful scene of the entire movie is the last few frames of the picture. Michael completely changed from the beginning of the film and even Vito s most trusted men have conformed to that adjustment. The last scene is Michael, sitting on his desk with his body guards around him. Peter Clemenza addressed him as Don Michael and kissed his hand, the ultimate sign of submission and respect. His sitting position would remind an audience member of one with power and grace, one who held within their power the right to other people s lives and deaths, arrogantly arched with one hand on his hip the other outstretched to receive proper respects from his trusted men.

The movie ends leaving the audience with a sense of completion, yet desire for five more hours of this story. The movie, almost centers itself around the transformation Michael undergoes through the years. It must be understood that Michael did not willingly submit to his family s affairs. After the attempt on his father s life and his older brother Sonny s hot temper finally getting himself killed, Michael has no choice but to become involved. When the audience gets the feeling the Corleone family is declining, Michael is the answer to their prayers. Don Michael Corleone will prevail.