Transformation In The Godfather

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The lives of mobsters were a popular movie topic during the mid-late 1900’s. However, one movie in particular has left a lasting impression on millions of people throughout the years. Considered one of the greatest films to come out of Hollywood, The Godfather, released in 1972, highlights the secret lives of organized crime in New York. Francis Coppola directed the movie and co-wrote The Godfather alongside Mario Puzo. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino played the leading roles of Don Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone. In The Godfather, Michael Corleone transforms into a tough, law-breaking criminal. Michael’s transformation is a large part of the movie. Without his changes, the film would not be the same. The close-knit family values of the Corleone’s…show more content…
The scene that truly showed the new Michael occurs during the climax of the film. The scene takes place at the baptism of Michael’s godson. The director used parallel action in this scene to stress the change in Michael’s life. During the climax, the movie switches back and forth between the baptism scene and the scene of Michael’s men killing other important men from different families. This moment in the film perfectly depicts Michael’s double life as the new Don. In the final scene, Michael “chose violence as the answer to problems” and killed his brother-in-law (Allen). He told his wife that she could ask him about his business once. However, he answered with a lie and denied his actions. In doing this, Michael disrespected his traditional family. It showed how Michael “grew to embody the worst of everything his family represented”…show more content…
He did not want to interact with his family. However, Michael tells his brother, Fredo, “don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again” (The Godfather). He not only defended his family, but also considered himself a large part of the family. Michael went from “believing what his family does is wrong to believing that his family’s crimes are a necessary evil” (Huntley). His crime family appeared more important to Michael than his traditional family. Vito Corleone, along with the rest of his family, caused this order of Michael’s priorities through their strong support of Michael and constantly pushing Michael to do family
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