In the scene where Michael kills Sollozzo and McCluskey the sound of a train is overpowering. The train can symbolize many things: Michael’s thoughts and heart beat, the fact that Michael will no longer be able to go back to his civilian lifestyle, and the reality that Michael’s life is now a set path.
The train is moving faster and becoming louder as the scene goes one. The fast movement of Michael’s eyes mimics the sound and creates a feeling of stress for the audience. It is clear that Michael is having a hard time moving into the mafia world and leaving his life as an ordinary citizen behind him. The train comes to a screeching halt just as Michael stands up and shoots. This halt of the train corresponds with the halt of Michael’s other life. He is now on a one way path and has joined the mafia.
As soon as Michael shoots there is no possibility for him to go back to his other life. He is now fully committed to being part of the Corleone family and part of the mafia. Just as a train only goes one way Michael’s life now only has one way to go. Michael’s life will now be on rails, he will be told what to do and will have a lot less freedom.
The speeding sound of the train can also be related to Michael’s thoughts and heart beat. Michael’s heart is beating faster and louder and thoughts are probably going through his head faster than he can process them. All of this shows tension and creates suspense for the audience.
Finally, you almost feel as though you are Michael as you are watching the scene. As the train gets louder you can no longer hear the conversation and it is clear by Michael’s body language that he is not listening either. You are worried for Michael and the audience’s thoughts are moving just as fast as Michael’s trying to figure out what he is going to do.
I believe that the sound of the train positively added to the scene. At first one was confused as to why there was the sound of the train, but this confusion leaded to a better understanding of the situation.
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