The Godfather: Moe Greene’s Public Confrontation with Fredo Corleone

In the iconic film, The Godfather, a pivotal scene takes place when Moe Greene slaps Fredo Corleone in public during a confrontation at a Las Vegas casino. This incident, which occurs around the halfway mark of the film, significantly highlights the power dynamics and family tensions within the Corleone family.

Confrontation and the Slap

The confrontation arises when Fredo is attempting to assert himself regarding the Corleone family's interests in the casino. Moe Greene's slap is a symbolic act that demonstrates his authority and the vulnerability of Fredo. This moment emphasizes the underlying strain between Fredo and Moe, especially within the context of the Corleone family’s complex dynamics.

The exact timing of the scene is not explicitly detailed in the film, but it is a memorable sequence that underscores Fredo's struggles for respect. The incident serves as a critical turning point in the narrative, laying the groundwork for later developments in the story.

Motives and Context

Moe Greene's reasons for slapping Fredo are multi-faceted. Greene is essentially showing off and belittling Fredo to assert his dominance. Additionally, Greene mentions that Fredo was engaging in inappropriate behavior by simultaneously dating two cocktail waitresses. This act of indiscretion further fuels Greene's actions, serving as a justification for the public slap.

The scene is not visually depicted in the film but is referenced in both the book and the movie. In the film, Michael Corleone brings up this incident to Moe Greene when visiting him in Las Vegas, indicating that the event likely took place after Sonny's death. This timing ensures Moe's actions do not provoke the wrath of Sonny, who would have quickly retaliated against such an offense.

Screenwriting Brilliance

The reference to this incident, which is not shown on screen, is a testament to the screenplay's effectiveness. In the movie, Michael's question to Moe Greene, "Is that why you slapped my brother around in public?" adds a confrontational edge to the dialogue. This exchange not only builds character for both Michael and Moe but also deepens the audience's understanding of the power struggles within the Corleone family.

The book provides more detail about the incident, stating that players in Moe's casino couldn't get a drink at the bar because Fredo was "banging cocktail waitresses two at a time," and Moe had to address the situation. This detail adds richness to the scene and gives a broader context to the public slap, making the confrontation more poignant and impactful.

Conclusion

In summary, Moe Greene's public slap of Fredo Corleone is a memorable and crucial moment in The Godfather. It highlights the complex family dynamics and serves as a turning point in the narrative. Through the power of subtle references and effective dialogue, this iconic scene is brought to life, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the film.