The Change of Michael Corleone

The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, tells the tragic story and transformation of Michael Corleone within the mobster underworld of New York City. There are five main crime families that control New York City with the Corleone family being the most powerful of them. When a drug baron known as Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo asks Don Vito to invest in the trade and Vito refuses, it sets the film in motion. An attempt is later made on Don Vito’s life and this in turn shows the true personalities of the Corleone family. Sonny, the eldest son, takes over, but everyone knows that he is too much of a hothead to effectively lead and deal with the situation. He always gets emotional, a trait which his father never possessed. On the other hand, Fredo, the 2nd eldest son, is characterized as being the weakest and least intelligent if the three brothers. Michael, the youngest son, who initially wanted no part in the family business, find himself becoming more and more involved with the affairs of the family. In essence, Michael Corleone’s loyalty to the family transforms him from an innocent bystander to a ruthless and methodical crime kingpin.

From the beginning of the film, it is evident that Michael wants no part of the family business. This is obvious when he attends his sister’s traditional Italian wedding. The way that Michael dresses suggests a lot. He wears his Marine Corps uniform, which makes him stand out from his entire family’s black and white tuxedos. It can be seen as one way of saying that he does not want to get involved with the family. He also brings Kay Adams, a WASP, which is unusual because everyone else is pure Italian. To further make him point, Michael even discloses family business with Kay. He tells her ...

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... father ever was. By the end of the movie, Michael changes into a completely different figure and is something most people could have never imagined.

Dragged into the criminal syndicate of the Corleone family, Michael Corleone transforms from a man who wants no business with his family to becoming the most ruthless don ever seen. I believe that Francis Ford Coppola was trying to show that everyone is susceptible to change. Depending on the environment and influences faced, a person can become better or worse. In Michael’s case he becomes what his father never wanted him to be. Instead of Congressman or Senator Corleone, Michael takes on the role of the Godfather. His story is very sad and can be considered that of a tragic hero. Contrary to becoming a better version of himself, Michael falls to darkness around him as his potential washes away with his former self.