Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino, embodies several key traits reminiscent of his father, Vito Corleone, famously played by Marlon Brando. However, the two characters diverge substantially in moral integrity, particularly in the face of familial loyalty. While Brando’s iconic portrayal in The Godfather emphasizes a wise and strategic mafia leader, the central narrative revolves around Michael’s reluctant ascent to power and his drastic choices as the don of the Corleone family.
Among Vito’s three sons—Sonny, Michael, and Fredo—Michael stands out as the most similar in character to his father. He mirrors Vito’s intelligence, patience, and tactical cunning, placing him as the most suitable successor to lead the family. Yet, Michael’s evolution from Vito’s noble approach to a more ruthless demeanor marks a pivotal transformation, culminating in one of the most shocking decisions in the trilogy: the assassination of his own brother, Fredo.
The Darkest Chapter: Fredo’s Murder
Michael’s Unending Grief Over Fredo’s Death
Executing a well-planned betrayal is one thing, but Michael’s choice to deceive Fredo—the sibling he betrayed—highlights a deep moral conflict. In the Corleone family, loyalty was paramount, making Michael’s decision to eliminate Fredo for his perceived betrayal one of his gravest sins throughout the entire trilogy. Significantly, it is revealed that Fredo was unaware of the repercussions of his actions, underscoring the tragedy of his fate.
Fredo’s naivety was deftly manipulated by the family’s foes, which escalated the situation beyond his control. Following the exposure of his disloyalty, Fredo experienced profound remorse and sought to regain Michael’s trust—his efforts rendered futile by Michael’s cold decision, which made Fredo’s fate all the more tragic in the backdrop of the series. Michael’s premeditated action to have Fredo killed reveals a chilling detachment; he approached this act of fratricide as a calculated business deal rather than an emotional confrontation.
A Father’s Approach: Vito’s Potential Reaction
Examining Vito’s Possible Compassion
Had Vito been in Michael’s shoes, one can speculate that he would have chosen a different pathway regarding betrayal. Evidence in The Godfather and its sequel suggests that Vito’s temperament leaned more toward compassion. His capability for ruthless actions remained concealed beneath an aura of approachability and wisdom. His underlying strength often shone through during critical family gatherings or somber moments with friends.
Contrary to Michael’s steely demeanor in The Godfather Part II and Part III, Vito retained an underlying moral compass, showing restraint when confronted with wrongdoing. Compounding this is Vito’s history of leadership; his responses to familial disloyalty involved strategy and surveillance rather than execution. When confronted with Sonny’s erratic behavior, Vito offered correction, while Michael’s reprimand to Fredo was laced with bitterness.
Vito’s leadership philosophy stood starkly against Michael’s harsh approach, as he often prioritized ethics alongside effective decision-making. This becomes particularly evident during Vito’s negotiations with rival families, where he balanced profit with principle. In a chilling contrast, Michael’s willingness to murder Fredo not only underscores a departure from his father’s values but also reflects a more profound psychological toll that shed light on the cost of power.
The Toll of Ruthlessness: Michael Corleone’s Legacy
Success Achieved at a Harrowing Cost
Ultimately, Michael’s ascendancy came with immense personal sacrifice. While Vito navigated his share of burdens from his actions, Michael’s profound guilt surfaced notably in The Godfather Part III, as he grappled with the haunting memories of his decisions, particularly regarding Fredo. The emotional fallout from this fratricide haunted Michael, contributing to his loneliness and sorrow in later years.
In stark contrast, Vito Corleone departed life surrounded by loved ones, content in his achievements. Michael, however, faced a tragic end, isolated and burdened by remorse—an ending that prompts viewers to ponder whether his ruthless climb to power was worth the price he paid. Director Francis Ford Coppola left audiences with this profound moral dilemma, contrasting Michael’s methodical ruthlessness with Vito’s deeper affinity for familial loyalty.
Leave a Reply