Despite his decades working as one of theCorleone Godfathers most trusted mobsters, Tessio has betrayed Michaeland his family.
Michael acts swiftly and mercilessly, ordering his enforcers to execute Tessio on the day of the proposed meeting.
The caporegime then departs, unable to watch his old friend take a bullet to the head.
Look him in the eyes," the senior enforcer orders.
When Geraci hesitates, Tessio eggs him on.
What are you waiting for?"
he tells his assassin.
You pussy.Geraci shoots, and Tessios body flies backwardsas a piece of his skull separates from his head.
“Tom, can you get me off the hook?
For old time’s sake.”
- Salvatore Tessio,The Godfather
Tessio cuts a pathetic figure as he realizes his fate.
In reality,hes dead the moment the enforcers surround himoutside the Corleone mansion on Staten Island.
Hagens refusal to help him rings more loudly and painfully around the mansion grounds than any gunshot could.
Only a scene illustrating Tessios execution in this kind of indirect manner could be laden with such pathos.
Tessio isnt just one of Michaels caporegimes.
Hes been the friend of a lifetime toThe Godfathers primary hero Vito Corleone.
The Godfatheris one of the most iconic and influential film franchises in cinematic history.
The first two films, in particular, are widely regarded as some of the greatest films ever made.
Summary
The Godfather is one of the most iconic and influential film franchises in cinematic history.
The first two films, in particular, are widely regarded as some of the greatest films ever made.
