Being hailed as one of the most iconic films ever made, “The Godfather” continues to draw in fans and encourage them to delve deeper into its intricate layers. One key aspect that Francis Ford Coppola masterfully executed was intertwining every element with a deliberate thematic connection, linking characters, their journeys, and the storyline. It’s not merely a great film due to its captivating performances and unexpected plot twists; rather, it is the combination of numerous elements that make it one of the most intellectually stimulating films even after more than half a century since its debut. To this day, “The Godfather” remains one of the most thought-provoking movies in existence.
1972 saw Coppola and Puzo craft an exceptional screenplay for “The Godfather,” a masterpiece that transcends the usual boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The captivating aspect isn’t just the evolution of characters but how these transformations reshape the world and the narrative itself. From its opening to its climax, the Corleone family’s world seems unrecognizable, undergoing profound changes throughout the movie. Audience expectations often differ from reality in this film. Michael Corleone, the protagonist, experiences an unprecedented transformation within a single film, and his journey continues to evolve across the subsequent sequels. Though we know his ultimate destiny, many foundational elements are subtly laid for his metamorphosis, playing pivotal roles in shaping the events that unfold and ultimately determining his fate.
Michael Corleone Was Always Next in Line for the Corleone Throne
He Just Didn’t Know It at the Time
Readers can dissect the narrative in various manners. Given Michael’s character traits that embody the ideal protagonist, it’s worth noting that he initially embodies a “resistant savior,” unwilling to involve himself with his father’s affairs. Coppola and Puzo intentionally designed him this way, as they understood that refusing to follow in his father’s footsteps of crime and violence didn’t make Michael less heroic; instead, it made him a hero who valiantly resisted turning into a villain. In fact, he was already a true hero, having served in the military.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, it is Michael’s actions, driven by his family ties and loyalty, that transform him into a hero within his family. As the story unfolds, he becomes a family hero rather than the one initially expected to take over the business. At the start of ‘The Godfather’, audiences might not have anticipated Michael as the successor, but his honor, intelligence, and compassion set him apart from his siblings, making him a more likely choice, even though there are two other brothers introduced who seem more fitting for the position at first.
Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo deserve immense praise for masterfully transforming the narrative throughout the film. Initially, there’s an apparent power structure within the family, but by the end, only Michael Corleone remains, shaping a new dynamic for the family. The viewers experience two distinct phases, yet a keen observer would see that Michael is the most fitting successor for the family business. He has both the military background gained from his experiences abroad and the intellect to lead effectively.
Sonny Corleone, who appears destined for the role of boss, is impulsive and lacks strategic thinking, as well as leadership skills. Fredo, on the other hand, is not cut out for the position of boss, a fact clearly demonstrated throughout the story. It becomes increasingly clear that Michael will eventually become the boss, even though he initially resists the idea. Deep down, Michael may have understood that he was the most suitable person to manage his father’s affairs, but he did not want the responsibility. He didn’t anticipate taking over because he was unaware of the underlying influences that would ultimately compel him to do so.
Michael Corleone Proves He’s Best Fit to Lead in One Iconic Scene
His Epic Killing of Solozzo Was Always Avoidable, and He Knew It
Fans frequently praise Michael’s big moment, describing it as epic, bold, powerful, and intense. However, they seldom discuss its intricate layers, which make its significance to the film even more significant. This scene not only influenced Michael’s character development but also hinted that he would eventually take over the family (while Sonny was still in line to lead). The gradual tension leading up to the Solozzo hit offers crucial context for why Michael’s action is a massive foreshadowing of his future destiny.
Following Vito Corleone’s shooting and hospitalization, Michael, Sonny, Tom Hagen, Clemenza, and Tessio gathered in Vito’s study to discuss the Solozzo issue. Sonny, however, demonstrated once again that he was unsuited for running his father’s business. Disregarding Tom Hagen’s counsel, Sonny insisted on immediate retaliation. On the other hand, Tom Hagen tried to approach the situation from a strategic perspective, considering potential consequences for their business dealings. Sonny dismissed these concerns, although it was not yet apparent that Tom was subtly positioning himself as the future head of the family. The pivotal moment arrived when Michael announced his intention to eliminate Solozzo, signaling his emergence as a decisive leader in the Corleone family.
After the planning of the hit and the following scene, there’s an iconic restaurant sequence where Michael is invited for dinner with Solozzo and a Police Captain on his payroll. Despite being there to carry out the assassination, Michael is exploring alternative solutions to resolve the issue before resorting to his last option. Initially, he expresses a desire for things to be settled peacefully and asks that his father not be disturbed any further. Solozzo appears sincere in his efforts at reconciliation, but during their discussion, he unknowingly makes a critical error that leads Michael to go through with the hit. Throughout the dinner, Michael is attempting to find a way to maintain peace, demonstrating here that while Sonny didn’t heed Tom Hagen’s advice, Michael was considering the negative impact of further bloodshed on their business operations.
Despite Sonny continuing to live and lead the family temporarily in the film, it’s evident that Michael is demonstrating superior leadership skills. During their discussion, Solozzo hints at desiring a truce rather than more violence, and Michael echoes this sentiment by expressing his desire for a guarantee against further attacks on his father’s life. If Solozzo had responded appropriately to Michael’s request for peace, he could have spared himself. However, Solozzo inquired about the guarantees he could offer Michael instead, confirming Michael’s suspicion that Solozzo would continue threatening his father. This realization leaves Michael with no other option but to take Solozzo’s life, as he was certain to target his father again in the future.
Michael Didn’t Want to Kill Solozzo if He Didn’t Have To
He Was Already Thinking Like a Smart Mafia Boss Well Before He Actually Was One
If Sonny Corleone had been the one to meet with Solozzo at dinner instead of Michael, he might have threatened to go in guns blazing rather than plant a gun, which would have escalated the situation violently. Given Sonny’s character, this response would have been fitting. However, since the story revolves around Michael Corleone, it was crucial for the plot that the scene unfolded as it did. Michael is known for his strategic thinking, patience, and wisdom, which allowed him to handle the Solozzo situation carefully while maintaining a calm demeanor. Beneath his adrenaline and nerves lies the true boss mentality.
Although Michael intended to assassinate Solozzo during their meeting, he might as well have left unscathed and found an alternate resolution. This is what he aimed for initially, because it would have prevented a war, and he wouldn’t have had to escape to Sicily. Notably, this was the approach his father would have taken, which underscores that Michael is indeed the rightful successor of his father’s empire.
In that gathering, Michael’s primary concern was ensuring his father’s wellbeing. When Solozzo left him with no other options, Michael resorted to the traditional methods and became a family hero. If circumstances allowed, Michael Corleone might have chosen differently.
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2025-05-26 07:09