I love this scene. I love the look on Johnny’s face. Yes he owed his godfather which is why he signed. He did do it, but he did not have to like it. That is why they trust Johnny Fontane. He keeps his loyalty and his word. Vito said he’s a good godson.
Take note that Michael did not care about any look on Johnny’s face. He ignored it. He just wanted the signature. Once he had that, he was good to go.
Why did Johnny seem reluctant? Because he was busy. He had his own plans and a career and yet he knew the career was because of his godfather. He probably felt a jumble of emotions there. He must have thought all of this at once:
- What?
- Contracts?
- Michael sure is presumptuous.
- I am a busy man, he’s not even asking me if I have the time.
- I don’t really want to work Vegas, I’m a movie star!
- I’m a movie star because of the Corleone family, I owe them. Crap.
- No, They own me!
- Why didn’t I act like a man and get this career on my own?
- Why did I have to bang that ingenue of Woltz’s? This is MY fault. I’m so depressed.
“Sure, Mike. I’ll do anything for my godfather — you know that.”