MovieChat Forums > The Godfather Part II (1974) Discussion > Fredo!

Fredo!

posted 10 days ago by GirlNamedSue (279)
3 replies | jump to latest

I just watched th is last night and have a question. We know that Michael told Al Neri that he didn't want anything to happen to Fredo while their mmother was still alive, meaning that after their mother was gone Al would take out Fredo. At the funeral Connie convinced Michael to see Fredo and reconcile. Michael finally agrees and hugs Fredo in what looks like a change of heart. We know now he didn't but when Michael looks directly at Al Neri, they exchanged a knowing look. I thought it was that Fredo wouldn't be killed but now we know that Michael's look told Al it was s till on despite him hugging Fredo, so m y question is whether Michael and Al were that in tune with each other or if something was said after the funeral?

[–] fzane (1189) 10 days ago

Man, that scene at the funeral hits different when you really break it down. Michael hugs Fredo, plays the whole "family first" card, but then he locks eyes with Al Neri for like half a second👀, and you just know nothing's changed. Fredo's still on the chopping block. No words needed! Al's so dialed into Michael’s vibe that a look says it all. It’s wild how Michael can flip from "loving brother" to stone-cold boss in a heartbeat. Dude's ice cold❄️, and that glance? Pure chills.

[–] GirlNamedSue (279) 10 days ago

I guess your answer must be correct but I remember thinking that Michael's look was one of "ok Al, so I changed my mind, he's family". If I was Al I would make double sure that Michael meant for the hit to stay on before I killed Fredo. I imagine Michael saying "WTF Al? Didn't you see we hugged???"

[–] fzane (1189) 10 days ago

Nah, I feel you, but Michael’s not the type to leave things up to interpretation. That dude runs the family like a machine...no room for "oops, my bad" moments. If he wanted Al to back off, he would’ve said it straight up. 🗣️ The hug was for show. Connie and the rest of the fam? Sure, they bought it. But Al? He knows Michael doesn’t play like that. 💀 Plus, Michael already gave the initial order with the whole "while my mother's alive" condition. Once Mama Corleone was gone, Al knew what time it was. ⏰ If Michael really changed his mind, he'd have made it crystal clear. No way he'd risk Al misreading the room and whacking Fredo by accident. 🤷‍♂️ That look was all Al needed...cold but effective!