MovieChat Forums > The Godfather (1972) Discussion > Clemenza teaching Michael how to make gr...

Clemenza teaching Michael how to make gravy.

posted 3 years ago by Rolltide (964)
10 replies | jump to latest

Surprised nobody has already mentioned this.

Clemenza and Tessio were with the Don since the family was formed. They have known Michael since he was a baby. The scene is important because it tells us how they perceive Michael within the family at that time.

Clemenza says "Come here kid,you might have to cook for a bunch of guys." That is how little they regarded Michael. Never saw him as a leader.

This is important because Michael goes from being an insignificant civilian to the Don! Notice how they laughed at him when he came up with his idea to kill Sollozo.

[–] Rolltide (964) 3 years ago

Mike in reality was a formidable person. Extremely smart. Ivy league education. Had distinguished himself as a soldier in WW2. He was brave and knew how to use a gun.

Michael's ruthlessness and intuition would become known as the film progresses. We learn nothing in the film about what Michael was doing with himself after college and the military. Did he have a job? What were his goals? I'm sure they saw him as a possible congressman or senator some day so why the disrespect talking about him cooking for a bunch of grunts?

[–] Sandman81 (1501) 3 years ago

Clemenza was a Capo in the family, and one of the closest advisors to the Don. But even he wasn't above cooking for the guys.

It wasn't necessarily a sign of disrespect to be the one cooking for the guys, especially when they have gone to the mattresses. Someone's got to do it, and there probably isn't any women in there. So if you can make a good sauce, that you can do it for the guys.

[–] almonigal (1107) 3 years ago

There was an interview with Michael Franzese about the cooking scene in Donnie Brasco. Guy said that for wise guys cooking was regarded as an important activity, something along the lines "only men are good cooks" etc. So, maybe cooking for the guys was considered an "above" activity, but definitely not below

[–] chilidoggg (13053) 3 years ago

Wasn't it a marinara sauce?

I haven't watched it in a long time...

[–] UdoConstantini (117) 3 years ago

Yes, but there are some people who insist on referring to marinara sauce, or any sauce to be placed upon pasta, as "gravy". As far as I am concerned, gravy is made from the drippings of roasted meat. The topping for pasta, which is generally based on tomato, onions, garlic, herbs and spices is called sauce.

[–] EdwardHaskell (122) a year ago

I recall, from The Sopranos, Tony always referred to what I would call sauce as, "gravy."

He also always referred to pasta as, "macaroni," regardless of what kind it was.

I just figured it was an Italian thing. Or maybe a Jersey thing.

[–] strntz (10816) 3 years ago

Wasn't it a marinara sauce?

No. Marinara sauce has no meat or fish. Clemenza was shoving all his sausage and meatballs in it.

[–] jekporkins (1924) 3 years ago

I took it as a sign Clemenza was welcoming Michael into 'the life.' He was one of them now.

[–] BOandBarbecue (2264) a year ago

thank you for this post it make appreciates this great film even more!

great scene in great film. you know a scene is great when it stand out in 3 hour movie. make me want to eat spagheti meatball every time i see hahahahahhaa

[–] marktayloruk (2378) a year ago

My guess- Clemenza obviously liked his food and seemed to.genuinely like cooking. He was trying to pass on some of his knowledge to Michael.