12 Incredible Slow Burn Movie Scenes With Killer Pay Offs

5. The Godfather €“- Restaurant Assassination

Godfather Restaurant
Paramount Pictures

Francis Ford Coppola's legendary American crime drama is rife with suspense and intrigue, but it's the scene in which Michael Corleone sits down for a dinner with two men that he plans to assassinate that's arguably the most memorable scene in the film.

The scene works wonderfully, as the audience is aware of the plan from the very beginning, making for an incredibly taut atmosphere as each potential issue comes into play. But in its early stages the suspense is limited by the fact that it's taking place in a brightly lit, public venue, which allows the tension to build up slowly over the course of their meeting.

When Michael finally stands up and executes Sollozzo and McCluskey, the blend of stunned silence and realistic violence makes for a fitting end to a masterfully constructed scene.

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Contributor

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