its when he understood that he was the only one capable to take his fathers place. or else everything his father worked for would be for nothing. he was the only stable and sober mind.
I agree I think that's why the tear runs down Vito's face because he knew that all the things he had planned for Michael were now gone that Michael despite Vito's wishes was now fully in the family business
The hospital scene-that was it. That was the moment Michael became the Don. While they were hiding Vito, he even told Vito, "I'm with you, Pop." So yeah, that was symbolic. After that scene his body language and eyes change. He's the Don.
I’m glad you talked about Michael’s military service as that seems to be an important but overlooked part of his character. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in late 1941 and rose to the rank of Captain before being discharged in 1945. He won decorations including the Navy Cross and Purple Heart meaning he had seen combat and distinguished himself. As was the case at that time, many civilians back home didn’t understand how savage the war was. The fighting in the Pacific between US Marines and the Imperial Japanese was particularly vicious. While Sollozo underestimates Michael and Tessio and Hagen laugh at Sonny’s jokes about killing a man up close not being like “the army”, the fact is after his time in the Marines, Michael has likely killed more men up close and seen more death than all of them combined. Mike’s calm demeanor and quick thinking outside the hospital would likely have been second nature to him by then after his experience leading men in war. Serving with distinction in the Marine Corps doesn’t lend itself to becoming an effective crime boss per se, but his experience with the extreme violence and brutality of war, and giving orders to men under the strain of up-close and personal jungle combat gave Michael an experience that both his family members and adversaries unwisely discounted.
I agree with almost everything you said, but I believe they said he was a Captain, he wouldn’t exactly be running around like Rambo. Not a recruit, I mean.
@@elizabethpiccolo5534 I follow what you’re saying but when you watch the end of Godfather II, when the film flashes back to December 1941 and the Corleone sons are all sitting around the table awaiting Vito’s surprise party, Michael says that he enlisted in the Marines and that he gave up his deferment. This implies that he dropped out of college and joined the Marines as an enlisted man rather than an officer (a completed college degree typically being required for admission into an officer candidate program). That being the case Michael would have been sent to boot camp, advanced infantry training and then deployment to the Pacific in short order. In the early stages of the Pacific War the Japanese were prone to tactics such as the Banzai charge in which they would throw human waves at the US Marines who would have to gun them down and eventually even use bayonets to kill the relentless enemy. As an enlisted Marine in 1942, Michael would have seen a lot of this type of fighting. As the war progressed and casualties mounted, it is likely that Michael received a battlefield commission to an officer’s billet (not uncommon in WWII). This would have been predicated on the fact that he had some college and was a capable leader. By 1945 he is a Marine Infantry Captain probably serving as a company commander. Prior to that he would likely have been a private, NCO, then after a commission, platoon leader and company commander. In that time he would have seen a lot of face-to-face combat with a dedicated enemy, and later as a junior officer who led men directly into battle.
You missed the part in the post-assassination attempt where Tom completely switched sides. Sonny argued that they needed to hit Sollazzo right away. Tom demurred and convinced Sonny otherwise. Then Michael, without saying, "Sonny's right," convinced Tom that they needed to hit Sollazzo right away, and before the sentence was even out of Michael's mouth, Tom said, "Michael's right." Tom knew for years that Michael was the best successor.
In the book - Sonny knew that while Michael was in college and the military - Michael was suppressing his real desire to be in the mob all the time. That's why when Michael planned to commit murdering the cop in the book - Sonny laughed and said "You're a Corleone after all!" It's the typical story of a young guy who takes the career paths that his parents want him to - instead of what he really wants to do. In "Godfather 3" and at the end of "Scarface" - the characters played by Al Pacino learned that ill gotten gains in power and money - will bring death to you or your loved ones, bad health, major losses in wealth, constant paranoia, and worry, and a family life that has everything EXCEPT - love.
In the USA there's a fetishising of being in the army and a huge overestimation of their abilities translating to other spheres. Bear in mind that he left as a captain. Lieutenants lead platoons, "take that ditch, then that gun emplacement, then wait for further orders." Captains lead companies "take that hill, then that one, then wait for orders" Nobody asks a captain to develop alliances or suggest strategies. A mob boss is more like a small king, who has to consider alliances, long term strategy and long term plans, revenue, recruitment, expenditures. The one thing that military service would give a man like Michael is the training and confidence to command men in a crisis with authority. But that might have been latent in him anyway
but again michael didn't finish school and enlisted in marines in 41 that means he didn't had any other rank than max corporal when starting the deployment and you wouldn't get battlefield promotion straight to captain godfather happens in 1945-55 that means mike saw almost entire war and earned a captain if anything mike was the most fit to lead the family
He wasn't in the army - he was a Marine! But yeah, a lot of that doesn't transfer to being a mob boss. However, being calm under pressure and being able to plan quickly as immediate conditions demand it could have been something he learned as a Marine. Semper Gumby!
many would make fun of Michael (Clemenza, Sonny...), he was considered like nothing serious, but they ignored that Michael was a WWII and he even got wounded from the conflict, he is not a push-over and he proved it at many occasions. And he realized that Sonny and the others where definitly not as ferocious and smart, as the situation would requiere them to be.
I think Sonny's jokes about Michael's military career are made in ignorance -he is just a brute - while Clemenza's are made out of lack of patriotism as he considered himself nothing but Italian.
I have seen many scholars of the Godfather Saga make analsys videos, But this very short one I think hit the nail right on the head. As a former Marine officer I think you were spot on saying his time in the Marines laid the foundation for him becoming the Don. You DO NOT get awarded the Navy Cross without doing some dangerous things and seeing some even nastier ones. But that was war. So when Micheal came back he was all set to leave that part of his life behind and start a new one as a lawyer or politician. But with the attempt on his father that night he realized that those skills he learned on the battlefield were still useful. Just a different battlefield.
Completely agree, I also have a theory that Michael was a 'surprise hit' with Marines too, a 'college boy with papa's protection' turned out to be capable of earning respect within military!
Outstanding evaluation and interpretation of the movie. The level of savagery that occurred between the U S Marines and the Japanese Imperial Army was unrivaled in warfare. You are correct.
The whole point of The Godfather story was that Michael was the only one who could save the family. Sonny was too hot-headed and not very bright; and Fredo was a coward. Even had he not joined the military Michael would have eventually taken over the family. Nobody else could have done it. The murders of his wife and brother simply hastened the inevitable assent of Michael to the position.
Enzo is the future son in law..remember the baker asked the DOn to stop his deportation as he is to marry the baker's daughter....baker approached the don to make the request at the wedding...baker also bragged about baking a huge cake for the wedding. Enzo showing up at the hospital with flowers was a move of appreciation...was happy to help Michael protect the DON at the hospital scene.
That's Captain Michael Corleone. He was already a badass MF by the time the wedding starts. He's seen death. Sure, his father pulled some strings, but Michael made Captain. That's a result of growing up and also his time in the Pacific. He's familiar with planning and logistics.
Yea, when his brother and the Corleone Capo's laugh at Michael's plan to kill Solozo and Captain McKluskey, what they don't realize is that Michael is already a killer. Not a murderer, but someone who has undoubtedly seen a lot of death and caused some on the other side, in the line of duty. And on top of that, Michael had already been trained to lead men and had those lessons refined by leading men in combat.
yep Michael wasn't evil in the first movie, he did what what must be done - strike them first before they strike him. Just as in war, no difference whatsoever. Killing Carlo in the end was again was perfectly reasonable, unlike Fredo in 2nd movie (one of many reasons whey Part II is nowhere near as good as Part I)
@@KnozLo What does that have to do with what I said? I’m referring to his training with firearms; not the legal ramifications of shooting someone, based on the hat you’re wearing.
@KnozLo Lee Harvey Oswald and Charles Whitman are sad examples that ur premise is incorrect. Our training is to improvise, adapt, and overcome any situation, because we never know what the ever evolving situation will be until it's happening. A Marines training would absolutely take over in that situation.
Michael actually became don when he planned the demise of Sollazzo and McKluskey at the restaurant, there was no turning back after that, even though he pledged fealty at his father's bedside in the hospital. As far as Michael's college education and in the line of fire military training and experience, made him an excellent successor to be the new Don Corleone of the family.
In the book, Michael showed his cold nature early in adolescence...Vito knew Michael had the temperament, he also was more headstrong than any of his sons. However, he wasn't going to force him into that life. He knew that with Michael, the family could transcend beyond the Mafia.
Michael could have been a great Don. The brutal murder of his wife Apollonia was what broke him. He might have been able to recover from the loss of Sunny. Seeing it as business. But Apollonia's death was on another level. It was personal and the death of an innocent woman. Had it been Michael behind the wheel. Both He and Apollonia would have been killed.
When I was in the 4th grade the coach was doing a health class and asked when the war began.I answered September 1,1939.He answered that wasn't when the United States entered the war.My response to him was the war began over two years before the United States entered it,he should have when the United States entered the war.
Michaels journey into becoming the replacement for the Godfather is similar to the movie Its a wonderful life, both characters thought they had their futures all laid out for something else that their fathers were , but Fate and unique circumstances had other plans for them, Throughout both movies they try to stay on their original plan, but keep getting drawn back into what they didnt want to be
Always thought Michael due to his war experiences and strategic training was unafraid of death ....and after getting beaten up by his familie's enemy suddenly realised that he had little to fear from such weak opponents.
Marine training with combat expérience on top definitely gave Michael an edge with leadership and decision making. The kind no one else in the mafia had.
I absolutely believe joining the Marines, finishing as an officer, a captain, enabled Michael to be a Don. I think another “tell” was after he left the men’s room with the gun, Michael did not “come out blastin’.” He sat down instead, perhaps to hear what additional information Solozzo had to offer. Or he reasoned that he could be more accurate standing up where he was seated.
Joining the military, going to college, an ivy league college at that, gave Michael the tools and skills, but his courage, discernment, the ability to think on his feet, and being cold and calculating was all inside him the whole time. He was already a leader before Captain McCluskey broke his jaw. But as soon as the family came under fire, Michael stepped up to the plate to bat, and I don’t think it was until he got his jaw broke that Michael knew what he was capable of.
I'm sure many could have played Mike but it's the genius of FFC to get AP to do it. The guy can be sublimely subtle or absolutely loud. IMO, the only one who matches Brando and that is saying a lot.
In my opinion, he is pretty cold in demeanor even in the 1st scene when he is describing to Kay his family's 'business'. He is not having any PTSD. He has brought Kay for this very reason that he belongs here and that she doesn't have a choice in this. He is probably already aware that Sonny will not survive long and Fredo does not have it in him.
In the scene where Micheal says he will kill them both. Everyone is laughing. Except Tom Hagen. He just looks around the room to see how everyone else is taking Micheal's statement. You can see that he somewhat thinks that it is a good idea. BUT not being a blood member of the family or an actual Italian he has to wait until there is a consensus. Robert Duvall did such a great job. He conveyed volumes with just a glance and not a spoken word.
The decorations on his US Marine Corps service uniform are ribbons, not badges. Ribbons represent the medals awarded to the serviceman during their time on active duty. Yes, Michael was awarded The Navy Cross. It is the second highest honor for valor in combat given by the US of America. Michael was a leader of Marines, an officer, and officers aren’t dummies. You win the nations battles by being smart and courageous. Yes, I’m sure his training and experience made him an ideal leader of his family business.
I have always felt the Puzo overlooked something about Captain Corleone. Michael had led men in battle and spilled blood with men he trusted and who trusted him. He could have put together an entire regime, unknown to anyone, made up from His guys, or those very much like them. Bury their payroll by being the head of a Major (501 c 3) War Veteran's Association, it would also be a great _Clean Face_ for public opinion purposes. Just a _Regular Upstanding Citizen and War Hero_ with the left hand while being _The Godfather_ with the right.
Michael despite the cold calculating wit and the power that he amassed, lacked the empathy and sense of family that his father had. People followed him out of fear and/or admiration for his cold calculating ruthlessness, but no one loved him, as they loved and admired his father. He would without question have made many enemies through the years and had many people rooting to see him fall.
After the Hospital scene Michael changed his mindset, realizing he needed to go on the offensive to protect his family. No doubt a tactic learned from the Marines. It was a necessity. Fight or Die.
If he enlisted in the Marines, how did he make the transition to a commissioned officer? Did he get a battlefield commission or did he go to Officer Candidate School I don’t recall but the movie didn’t focus much on his military career.
It's always interesting that no one in the family has any comprehension of what it must have meant to be a Marine in the Pacific theater. "Joe College" Michael had seen and committed more violence than the rest of the family all together, and yes, it was close up.
The definitive scene of Michael becoming the central character is when he's talking about how he'll kill McClusky and the camera dollies slowly and deliberately in on him.
I never read the book, but I wonder if the book states that Michael was always kind of tough. Meaning he could take a beating. Meaning he thought on his feet. If the book indicated that he was that type of person before he enlisted in the Marines, perhaps that contributed as well.
not to mention that michael was a sergeant in the marines. i think the position he inevitably was pulled into later in his life, he was prepared for it. rather he knew it or not.
When Michael suggested that he kill the dealer and police guy at the same time everyone thought it was a joke. Sunny talked about killing them up close, could he handle it? Michael joined WW2 from the very beginning and brought back medals. No one asked him what he did to earn the medals
He must have entered the Marines as an officer, 2nd Lieutenant, because there is no way he could have entered the Marines as a PFC and been promoted all the way up to a Captain in less than three years.
Actually, there are a couple ways: he dropped out of an ivy league school and enlisted in Marines during wartime when he could have easily received a deferment. That act was an indication of intelligence, patriotism, and bravery. He would have been a top choice for Officer Candidate School. Secondly, he could have received a battlefield commission for bravery in combat.
it's that part of the story where you just have to accept that because no there's no real way mike would enlist in marines see almost entire war and come home captain in 1945
Brilliant video, brilliantly broken down and explained on so many little details I have never noticed before nor most like ever would no matter how many more times I ever watch The Godfather. 😄
If you haven't yet, read the book. There are SO MANY little things that the movie depicts, that are straight out of the book, that no one would really understand why, without having read it. I must have watched the movie 10 or 15 times before I read the book, but AS I read the book and AFTER I read the book, I had a whole new appreciation of the movie.
There is this one scene between him coming back from Italy after the death of Appolina and reuniting with Kay in America that was the TURN and you still cannot see the join.
I believe Michael was born with a strategic thinking mind. The combat he participated in and saw may have given him the ability to turn off his emotions to focus on the tasks at hand.
OBJECTION. Michael doesn't just "Kick his wife out". He divorces her because, from his POV if nothing else, she murdered his child. That was a VEEEEERY lenient way for the Boss of the most powerful of the Families to handle such an event.
No matter where you go to get prepared for war long's. Well, trained you listen to instructors. the instructors in the Best instructors in the service are veterans who have been at war who've been in combat. service. Same thing obey your mentors. Listen to mentors, study your mentors in the streets. Most of all never underestimate Never Hesitate to strike . you underestimate and hesitate you are dead.
I think we can only speculate, but it would be reasonable to assume a long and friendly association of mutual respect. "You sorted out my green card and citizenship, and you didn't have to. " "You helped save my father's life and you didn't have to " "I baked you a cake "
The marines teach keeping your head and improviqsing combined with discipline so yes i think thats wher he o tained the ability to do what he had to do
Except for afghanistan, niger, somalia, cuba, vietnam, combodia, laos and arguably korea. But you’re american so the truth doesnt matter… just keep repeating it over and over again and eventually people will believe it. And by people i mean other americans
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When Michael says "I'm with you pop." That is when he made the decision to be in the "family".
its when he understood that he was the only one capable to take his fathers place. or else everything his father worked for would be for nothing. he was the only stable and sober mind.
I agree I think that's why the tear runs down Vito's face because he knew that all the things he had planned for Michael were now gone that Michael despite Vito's wishes was now fully in the family business
My favorite movie scene ever!
Prior to his father being shot, Michael wasn't involved in the family business.
The hospital scene-that was it. That was the moment Michael became the Don. While they were hiding Vito, he even told Vito, "I'm with you, Pop." So yeah, that was symbolic. After that scene his body language and eyes change. He's the Don.
true
I’m glad you talked about Michael’s military service as that seems to be an important but overlooked part of his character.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in late 1941 and rose to the rank of Captain before being discharged in 1945. He won decorations including the Navy Cross and Purple Heart meaning he had seen combat and distinguished himself.
As was the case at that time, many civilians back home didn’t understand how savage the war was. The fighting in the Pacific between US Marines and the Imperial Japanese was particularly vicious.
While Sollozo underestimates Michael and Tessio and Hagen laugh at Sonny’s jokes about killing a man up close not being like “the army”, the fact is after his time in the Marines, Michael has likely killed more men up close and seen more death than all of them combined.
Mike’s calm demeanor and quick thinking outside the hospital would likely have been second nature to him by then after his experience leading men in war.
Serving with distinction in the Marine Corps doesn’t lend itself to becoming an effective crime boss per se, but his experience with the extreme violence and brutality of war, and giving orders to men under the strain of up-close and personal jungle combat gave Michael an experience that both his family members and adversaries unwisely discounted.
Exactly.
I agree with almost everything you said, but I believe they said he was a Captain, he wouldn’t exactly be running around like Rambo. Not a recruit, I mean.
@@elizabethpiccolo5534 I follow what you’re saying but when you watch the end of Godfather II, when the film flashes back to December 1941 and the Corleone sons are all sitting around the table awaiting Vito’s surprise party, Michael says that he enlisted in the Marines and that he gave up his deferment.
This implies that he dropped out of college and joined the Marines as an enlisted man rather than an officer (a completed college degree typically being required for admission into an officer candidate program). That being the case Michael would have been sent to boot camp, advanced infantry training and then deployment to the Pacific in short order. In the early stages of the Pacific War the Japanese were prone to tactics such as the Banzai charge in which they would throw human waves at the US Marines who would have to gun them down and eventually even use bayonets to kill the relentless enemy. As an enlisted Marine in 1942, Michael would have seen a lot of this type of fighting.
As the war progressed and casualties mounted, it is likely that Michael received a battlefield commission to an officer’s billet (not uncommon in WWII). This would have been predicated on the fact that he had some college and was a capable leader.
By 1945 he is a Marine Infantry Captain probably serving as a company commander. Prior to that he would likely have been a private, NCO, then after a commission, platoon leader and company commander. In that time he would have seen a lot of face-to-face combat with a dedicated enemy, and later as a junior officer who led men directly into battle.
He was a Marine in the Pacific fighting an enemy that would not surrender and came out alive. Then they Fd with him, too bad for them
That's very important and extremely overlooked fact. Those who served in the military will understand.
You missed the part in the post-assassination attempt where Tom completely switched sides. Sonny argued that they needed to hit Sollazzo right away. Tom demurred and convinced Sonny otherwise. Then Michael, without saying, "Sonny's right," convinced Tom that they needed to hit Sollazzo right away, and before the sentence was even out of Michael's mouth, Tom said, "Michael's right." Tom knew for years that Michael was the best successor.
In the book - Sonny knew that while Michael was in college and the military - Michael was suppressing his real desire to be in the mob all the time. That's why when Michael planned to commit murdering the cop in the book - Sonny laughed and said "You're a Corleone after all!" It's the typical story of a young guy who takes the career paths that his parents want him to - instead of what he really wants to do. In "Godfather 3" and at the end of "Scarface" - the characters played by Al Pacino learned that ill gotten gains in power and money - will bring death to you or your loved ones, bad health, major losses in wealth, constant paranoia, and worry, and a family life that has everything EXCEPT - love.
Thanks for highlighting how his hands were steady at the hospital, foreshadowing what he would become.
When Sonny was murdered Michael had no choice but to step up because Fredo couldn't.
In the USA there's a fetishising of being in the army and a huge overestimation of their abilities translating to other spheres.
Bear in mind that he left as a captain.
Lieutenants lead platoons, "take that ditch, then that gun emplacement, then wait for further orders."
Captains lead companies "take that hill, then that one, then wait for orders"
Nobody asks a captain to develop alliances or suggest strategies.
A mob boss is more like a small king, who has to consider alliances, long term strategy and long term plans, revenue, recruitment, expenditures.
The one thing that military service would give a man like Michael is the training and confidence to command men in a crisis with authority.
But that might have been latent in him anyway
but again
michael didn't finish school and enlisted in marines in 41
that means he didn't had any other rank than max corporal when starting the deployment
and you wouldn't get battlefield promotion straight to captain
godfather happens in 1945-55
that means mike saw almost entire war and earned a captain
if anything mike was the most fit to lead the family
He wasn't in the army - he was a Marine! But yeah, a lot of that doesn't transfer to being a mob boss. However, being calm under pressure and being able to plan quickly as immediate conditions demand it could have been something he learned as a Marine. Semper Gumby!
many would make fun of Michael (Clemenza, Sonny...), he was considered like nothing serious,
but they ignored that Michael was a WWII and he even got wounded from the conflict, he is not a push-over and he proved it at many occasions. And he realized that Sonny and the others where definitly not as ferocious and smart, as the situation would requiere them to be.
I think Sonny's jokes about Michael's military career are made in ignorance -he is just a brute - while Clemenza's are made out of lack of patriotism as he considered himself nothing but Italian.
@@byronofrothdale yes true
but it underlines how Michael is not considered as something serious
@@TheChattounet The only brother who sees Michael as he really is it's Tom Hagen.
@@byronofrothdale yes because he was the most educated among them.
I have seen many scholars of the Godfather Saga make analsys videos, But this very short one I think hit the nail right on the head.
As a former Marine officer I think you were spot on saying his time in the Marines laid the foundation for him becoming the Don. You DO NOT get awarded the Navy Cross without doing some dangerous things and seeing some even nastier ones.
But that was war. So when Micheal came back he was all set to leave that part of his life behind and start a new one as a lawyer or politician. But with the attempt on his father that night he realized that those skills he learned on the battlefield were still useful.
Just a different battlefield.
Completely agree, I also have a theory that Michael was a 'surprise hit' with Marines too, a 'college boy with papa's protection' turned out to be capable of earning respect within military!
I will never get over how he was so made for this part. I could watch him over and over again. My my he was pure perfection.
Outstanding evaluation and interpretation of the movie. The level of savagery that occurred between the U S Marines and the Japanese Imperial Army was unrivaled in warfare. You are correct.
The whole point of The Godfather story was that Michael was the only one who could save the family. Sonny was too hot-headed and not very bright; and Fredo was a coward. Even had he not joined the military Michael would have eventually taken over the family. Nobody else could have done it. The murders of his wife and brother simply hastened the inevitable assent of Michael to the position.
Read the book, Sonny was a good don & was really smart & had established fear among other Don's hence they plotted to take him out.
Enzo is the future son in law..remember the baker asked the DOn to stop his deportation as he is to marry the baker's daughter....baker approached the don to make the request at the wedding...baker also bragged about baking a huge cake for the wedding. Enzo showing up at the hospital with flowers was a move of appreciation...was happy to help Michael protect the DON at the hospital scene.
That's Captain Michael Corleone. He was already a badass MF by the time the wedding starts. He's seen death. Sure, his father pulled some strings, but Michael made Captain. That's a result of growing up and also his time in the Pacific. He's familiar with planning and logistics.
Yea, when his brother and the Corleone Capo's laugh at Michael's plan to kill Solozo and Captain McKluskey, what they don't realize is that Michael is already a killer. Not a murderer, but someone who has undoubtedly seen a lot of death and caused some on the other side, in the line of duty. And on top of that, Michael had already been trained to lead men and had those lessons refined by leading men in combat.
He won a navy cross I believe.
yep Michael wasn't evil in the first movie, he did what what must be done - strike them first before they strike him. Just as in war, no difference whatsoever.
Killing Carlo in the end was again was perfectly reasonable, unlike Fredo in 2nd movie (one of many reasons whey Part II is nowhere near as good as Part I)
Your example outside of the hospital is a reach. Michael is a WW2 combat Vet. He knows his way around a firearm.
Right. But shooting someone in war doesn't lead to a life in jail like in Civilization.
@@KnozLo What does that have to do with what I said? I’m referring to his training with firearms; not the legal ramifications of shooting someone, based on the hat you’re wearing.
@@BrenndenColbert Because one might be more scared of using a firearm in a city that's not in a wartime setting.
True
@KnozLo Lee Harvey Oswald and Charles Whitman are sad examples that ur premise is incorrect. Our training is to improvise, adapt, and overcome any situation, because we never know what the ever evolving situation will be until it's happening. A Marines training would absolutely take over in that situation.
I agree with you. Think I'll go back and watch all three of the movies again. Best of the Best.
This was very well done! All of your points were excellently made! You did a phenomenal job!
thanks!
Michael actually became don when he planned the demise of Sollazzo and McKluskey at the restaurant, there was no turning back after that, even though he pledged fealty at his father's bedside in the hospital. As far as Michael's college education and in the line of fire military training and experience, made him an excellent successor to be the new Don Corleone of the family.
In the book, Michael showed his cold nature early in adolescence...Vito knew Michael had the temperament, he also was more headstrong than any of his sons. However, he wasn't going to force him into that life. He knew that with Michael, the family could transcend beyond the Mafia.
Michael could have been a great Don. The brutal murder of his wife Apollonia was what broke him. He might have been able to recover from the loss of Sunny. Seeing it as business. But Apollonia's death was on another level. It was personal and the death of an innocent woman. Had it been Michael behind the wheel. Both He and Apollonia would have been killed.
Exactly
03:24 Michael is calm in front of Vito’s Hospital because he was a decorated WW2 USMC Infantry Captain
That bit with the lighter was spot on, i missed that.
Thanks for this new Godfather video on Michael Corleone. Hope you had a great Labor Day weekend.
WW2 did not begin in 1941. The Americans might think so.
When I was in the 4th grade the coach was doing a health class and asked when the war began.I answered September 1,1939.He answered that wasn't when the United States entered the war.My response to him was the war began over two years before the United States entered it,he should have when the United States entered the war.
@@David-yw2lv it shows how ignorant many Americans are... same as having a "world" series...
No, World War 2 began when I took command of the Enterprise.
It began when Japan invaded China
It was the year they entered the war.. it was just a poor choice of words.
Michaels journey into becoming the replacement for the Godfather is similar to the movie Its a wonderful life, both characters thought they had their futures all laid out for something else that their fathers were , but Fate and unique circumstances had other plans for them, Throughout both movies they try to stay on their original plan, but keep getting drawn back into what they didnt want to be
Brilliant... absolutely brilliant.
Always thought Michael due to his war experiences and strategic training was unafraid of death ....and after getting beaten up by his familie's enemy suddenly realised that he had little to fear from such weak opponents.
Very good analysis
Interesting analysis.
I was in the ta parachute regiment when I was younger and it turned me into a boss ❤
Marine training with combat expérience on top definitely gave Michael an edge with leadership and decision making. The kind no one else in the mafia had.
I absolutely believe joining the Marines, finishing as an officer, a captain, enabled Michael to be a Don. I think another “tell” was after he left the men’s room with the gun, Michael did not “come out blastin’.” He sat down instead, perhaps to hear what additional information Solozzo had to offer. Or he reasoned that he could be more accurate standing up where he was seated.
Joining the military, going to college, an ivy league college at that, gave Michael the tools and skills, but his courage, discernment, the ability to think on his feet, and being cold and calculating was all inside him the whole time. He was already a leader before Captain McCluskey broke his jaw. But as soon as the family came under fire, Michael stepped up to the plate to bat, and I don’t think it was until he got his jaw broke that Michael knew what he was capable of.
You nailed it.
I'm sure many could have played Mike but it's the genius of FFC to get AP to do it. The guy can be sublimely subtle or absolutely loud. IMO, the only one who matches Brando and that is saying a lot.
In my opinion, he is pretty cold in demeanor even in the 1st scene when he is describing to Kay his family's 'business'. He is not having any PTSD. He has brought Kay for this very reason that he belongs here and that she doesn't have a choice in this. He is probably already aware that Sonny will not survive long and Fredo does not have it in him.
Absolutely Correct Semper Fi
In the scene where Micheal says he will kill them both. Everyone is laughing. Except Tom Hagen. He just looks around the room to see how everyone else is taking Micheal's statement. You can see that he somewhat thinks that it is a good idea. BUT not being a blood member of the family or an actual Italian he has to wait until there is a consensus.
Robert Duvall did such a great job. He conveyed volumes with just a glance and not a spoken word.
Dope ass video bro 🔥🔥🔥
The military made a huge impact on Michaels character as the Mafia is a tightly quasi military operation.
The decorations on his US Marine Corps service uniform are ribbons, not badges. Ribbons represent the medals awarded to the serviceman during their time on active duty. Yes, Michael was awarded The Navy Cross. It is the second highest honor for valor in combat given by the US of America. Michael was a leader of Marines, an officer, and officers aren’t dummies. You win the nations battles by being smart and courageous. Yes, I’m sure his training and experience made him an ideal leader of his family business.
"It's not personal Sonny, it's strictly business"
Being in Marine Corps surely sealed Michael's character. It is enough to see coroner Jessup and lieutenant Kendrick to be convinced.
I have always felt the Puzo overlooked something about Captain Corleone. Michael had led men in battle and spilled blood with men he trusted and who trusted him. He could have put together an entire regime, unknown to anyone, made up from His guys, or those very much like them. Bury their payroll by being the head of a Major (501 c 3) War Veteran's Association, it would also be a great _Clean Face_ for public opinion purposes. Just a _Regular Upstanding Citizen and War Hero_ with the left hand while being _The Godfather_ with the right.
Nobody better than Pacino
The moment he agreed to family business… the moment he said he’ll kill.
Michael despite the cold calculating wit and the power that he amassed, lacked the empathy and sense of family that his father had. People followed him out of fear and/or admiration for his cold calculating ruthlessness, but no one loved him, as they loved and admired his father. He would without question have made many enemies through the years and had many people rooting to see him fall.
After the Hospital scene Michael changed his mindset, realizing he needed to go on the offensive to protect his family. No doubt a tactic learned from the Marines. It was a necessity. Fight or Die.
This is the moment Mike became Heisenberg
Look at Michael's ribbons. That's not the Navy Cross that's the Silver Star. You can look them up.
If he enlisted in the Marines, how did he make the transition to a commissioned officer? Did he get a battlefield commission or did he go to Officer Candidate School I don’t recall but the movie didn’t focus much on his military career.
It's always interesting that no one in the family has any comprehension of what it must have meant to be a Marine in the Pacific theater. "Joe College" Michael had seen and committed more violence than the rest of the family all together, and yes, it was close up.
The definitive scene of Michael becoming the central character is when he's talking about how he'll kill McClusky and the camera dollies slowly and deliberately in on him.
I say the hospital scene. He looks at his hands steady steel nerves. He understands the power within himself
I never read the book, but I wonder if the book states that Michael was always kind of tough. Meaning he could take a beating. Meaning he thought on his feet. If the book indicated that he was that type of person before he enlisted in the Marines, perhaps that contributed as well.
not to mention that michael was a sergeant in the marines. i think the position he inevitably was pulled into later in his life, he was prepared for it. rather he knew it or not.
When Michael suggested that he kill the dealer and police guy at the same time everyone thought it was a joke. Sunny talked about killing them up close, could he handle it? Michael joined WW2 from the very beginning and brought back medals. No one asked him what he did to earn the medals
Spot ON. I agree.
Exactly, Michael was a war hero. He knew how to use weapons.
He must have entered the Marines as an officer, 2nd Lieutenant, because there is no way he could have entered the Marines as a PFC and been promoted all the way up to a Captain in less than three years.
Actually, there are a couple ways: he dropped out of an ivy league school and enlisted in Marines during wartime when he could have easily received a deferment. That act was an indication of intelligence, patriotism, and bravery. He would have been a top choice for Officer Candidate School. Secondly, he could have received a battlefield commission for bravery in combat.
In 1942, a college dropout isn't getting into the Corps as a commissioned officer, unless he has something they *really* need.
@@martinpaulsen1592 Hum, I didn’t think of that. Then I guess that makes three ways he could have become an officer.
it's that part of the story where you just have to accept that
because no there's no real way mike would enlist in marines
see almost entire war
and come home captain in 1945
Sorry but you lost me when you called his medals badges.
You understand Michael is the new Don at his father's funeral, when he finds out that Tessio is the traitor
Brilliant video, brilliantly broken down and explained on so many little details I have never noticed before nor most like ever would no matter how many more times I ever watch The Godfather. 😄
If you haven't yet, read the book. There are SO MANY little things that the movie depicts, that are straight out of the book, that no one would really understand why, without having read it. I must have watched the movie 10 or 15 times before I read the book, but AS I read the book and AFTER I read the book, I had a whole new appreciation of the movie.
So he "enlisted", but was a commissioned officer? Did something lead to a commission after enlisting?
It's very difficult to overlook the spelling of the vital word like Dawn which actually should be Don.
There is this one scene between him coming back from Italy after the death of Appolina and reuniting with Kay in America that was the TURN and you still cannot see the join.
Michael did what he had to preserve the family business. Too bad other family members could not understand.
He should have treated them better.
I believe Michael was born with a strategic thinking mind. The combat he participated in and saw may have given him the ability to turn off his emotions to focus on the tasks at hand.
The army toughened him up and gave him three skill set and war mind..and seeing the lack of protection for His Father is what threw Him over the side.
He is the prettiest crook i ever saw😍
OBJECTION.
Michael doesn't just "Kick his wife out". He divorces her because, from his POV if nothing else, she murdered his child.
That was a VEEEEERY lenient way for the Boss of the most powerful of the Families to handle such an event.
But there is no link to his pals in the Marines...
Micheal made his choice instantly after Don Corleones assination attempt. After that, it was pure revenge, vendetta, and justice in that world.
Not a Navy Cross. Awarded the Silver Star
This is the moment Michael became Donsenberg.
Joining the Marines gave him an great advantage over everyone else
Going to war he most likely had more bodies than Sonny. The war was the perfect testing ground for Michael.
Sees this everyday… but somehow I’m the one who betrayed
Bottom line: being in battle taught Michael to kill. And further, drove home the message that it wasn't personal.
Ice, ice baby
Just play the clip without the chatter!
No matter where you go to get prepared for war long's. Well, trained you listen to instructors. the instructors in the Best instructors in the service are veterans who have been at war who've been in combat. service. Same thing obey your mentors. Listen to mentors, study your mentors in the streets. Most of all never underestimate Never Hesitate to strike . you underestimate and hesitate you are dead.
Can anyone expand on Enzo's relationship with Michael after the hospital incident?
I think we can only speculate, but it would be reasonable to assume a long and friendly association of mutual respect.
"You sorted out my green card and citizenship, and you didn't have to. "
"You helped save my father's life and you didn't have to "
"I baked you a cake "
@@DanBeech-ht7sw yeah i assume that Michael would have had a long standing respect after this for Enzo, just wondered if it was in the actual lore
Michael became what he needed to be to survive
According to his ribbons, Michael Corleone served in both the Pacific and European/African/Middle Eastern theaters.
you know they just got first ribbons they could find
@@ryszakowy I don't think Coppola left something like Captain Corleone's fruit salad to chance.
At the end of the sequel after the flashback, I was about half expecting Michael to commit suicide.
Michael was Don for at least 4 years before he took at his main rivals.
WW2 actually started in 1939. 1941 was when the U.S.A. finally entered it only after being attacked by Japan.
when sonny got wacked is when michael became the don . he was the only logical choice as it sure couldnt be fredo !
The marines teach keeping your head and improviqsing combined with discipline so yes i think thats wher he o tained the ability to do what he had to do
Michael earned medals, not badges. You’re from Moscow!
WW2 did not begin in 1941, it began for the U.S in 1941.
The marines have never lost a war yet. So what do we expect.
Except for afghanistan, niger, somalia, cuba, vietnam, combodia, laos and arguably korea.
But you’re american so the truth doesnt matter… just keep repeating it over and over again and eventually people will believe it. And by people i mean other americans
@@natos2334 Well yes it’s just a figure of speech? The man was dying.
3 major events that steered Michael to becoming the don
.
1) Vito is shot
2) he clips sollozzo & mcklusky
3) sunny is killed
No 1 he had no choice and he loved his father and who was going to lead the family Fredo 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Nonsense. The first time he stood up to his father his fate was sealed.
He's never a psychopath. There I disagree with you.
If your the Don why you telling me ?
World war 2 didnt begin in 1941. America become involved at that point, its generally regarded as starting in 1939.