The Godfather - How To Develop Characters

[@bubblewrapstargirl]

You completely misunderstand Michael's relationships with Kay and Apollonia. They are representative of the dichotomy of Michael's desires; Kay represents new sensibilities, being a modern American, forward-thinking and lawful, whereas Apollonia is from the old world, a conservative Sicilian, steeped in tradition and the rules of mafia society. Kay represents what he thinks he wants as a young man, Apollonia represents what he actually needs in the world he lives in. Michael meets Kay at college, during his first escape from his family, and she later becomes a teacher; an independent modern woman who provides for herself, just as Michael did when he joined the Marines. He made an independent choice to fight 'for other people' a sentiment his family strongly disagree with. Kay is the right woman for Michael during those bright young years of his life, when he was still a bit naive and idealistic, because she helps 'legitimise' him and his place in lawful society. Contrast that relationship with how he meets and marries Apollonia in Sicily; a place which looks and feels as though it hasn't changed since his father was a boy there. Michael connects more deeply with his family heritage when he stays there, smoothly learning an appreciation for the older customs. Michael falls in love with her with one look, and courts her, in a sweet, respectful and deeply traditional way. Apollonia mirrors his mother Carmela, as a traditional Sicilian woman who inhabits a particular role as a Don's wife, and doesn't stray from it. She is the right woman for the man Michael is becoming; with an understanding of 'how things are done' in their shared culture. His choice to court her in the customs of that more conservative, old fashioned culture, shows how Michael is beginning to embrace all the aspects of his family's past and current lifestyle. (He wasn't even aware of whose daughter she was when he first met her, so the idea he's only after her for some power play is not possible.)

[@amandaski]

This is so beautifully articulated.

[@GeorgetheGreat]

@@amandaski forreal

[@ThePharaohsCat]

Well said.

[@vijayrakesh9469]

@@amandaski beautiful like you Amanda !!

[@Realizinq]

Spot on. Couldn't agree more

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Watching this video is an offer I can't refuse.

[@theresistance3818]

.... so stupid 🙈 I'm laughing 😆😂 #thxcornball #luvit 🙌🏻

[@w.h.merrow3064]

Ew stop

[@thereccher8746]

Kay means less to Michael because his love for her wasn't real to begin with. Michael wanted to prove himself he's not like this family by finding a wasp girl. He didn't fall out of love after his arc, the moment he knew he had to protect his father he ignored her. He only came back to her after Appollonia died because he needed an heir.

[@lbrown5733]

TheReccher MICHAEL WANTED A 'MAN CHILD'. YOU'RE RIGHT, I DON'T THINK HE REALLY LOVED KAY. HE PROBABLY LOVED APPOLONIA MORE THAN KAY AS APPOLONIA WAS SICILIAN AND KAY WAS A WASP!!!

[@tifany2685]

@@lbrown5733 In the book it was stated that Michael would sleep after Appolonia,just to watch her sleeping face and after the first time he saw her,he said that nothing else matters,everything and everyone are disposable.Appolonia is the only thing that is important to him,the night before the Accident, Michael already arrange for Appolonia and him to go into hiding together and Appolonia was already 1 month pregnant so There are 2 people that Michael lost that day

[@KaizerBeatz-vf9wf]

Very true. I think the second movie proves that as well with how much Michael wants an heir and is with Kay for that reason, but never really communicates much with her or considers the type of lifestyle or upbringing for children that she wants.

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

2:18 - literally pulling Kay into the family.

[@freebee8221]

i believe he kindof loved her,but michael isnt a romantic,and this isnt really a love story.

[@TwistVisuals]

Michael did love Appolonia. The reason he went fully psychotic is because of her death. He showed power to her father cuz that was their culture of courtship and mafia etc. Plus he wasn't really a gangster when he was in Italy. Just protected in exile

[@Kulob_2025]

Its sonditos death and the 2 murders he comitted after. Apo was just the final straw

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

False he was a made man at that point he just killed 2 ppl he def was a gangster at that point

[@lunamilo2065]

You’re wrong. Michael is not psychotic and her death never directly affected Michael. That’s why we don’t see him grieve her death. His marriage to Apollonia emphasised his newfound love for power and pure lust. Her tragic death was a reminder that he needs to step up his game to protect any family he has. That’s why he remarried after a year of his return from Sicily but didn’t remarry after his second wife left him. This is also made very clear in the book.

[@errwhattheflip]

@@lunamilo2065 It did. If you read the book, he was clearly affected quite a bit by her death. The film not showing it is another way of showing the impact of it. Notice how Appalonia's name is never once mentioned after her death. That can be seen as a mirror to how Michael's feeling. He locks his feelings related to her away and they never come out

[@lunamilo2065]

@@errwhattheflip No he did not. Not in the book. It skips it entirely.

[@Kianistani]

Interesting take but very different to my own personal understanding of the film and of Michael. To begin with, i never saw him as a billon but as a reluctant hero. When he got closer to the family, it was not for selfish reasons but for selfless responsibility. His early relationship with Kay was the selfish relationship. I don’t mean this as a criticism but that it was ‘what he wanted of his own life’. When his father got shot and his family was in trouble, he it was not a thirst of power that pulled him in, but a sense of duty and responsibility. The same sense of duty that got him to fight for his country earlier. As his father knew, he was the natural successor to his father. He had everything that his father had. He was not hot headed like his brother, but he was also not a coward like his other brother or like Tom. He was calm and calculated. It was this calculatingside to him that knew his family needs him and that it is only him that could have saved the family at that point in time. He never wanted to get involved, but he knew that if does not, then everything his father achieved will go to nothing. And not by some act of justice whereby the state or the police come for the family, but that the family will be taken over by something very similar. So at that moment in time, he had to put aside his personal feelings. He had to put aside his personal ambitions and he had to put aside his love for his beloved wife. As he was duty bouned. But he never wanted this and all through his life, he tries to drive the family business into legitimacy and to bridge that gap between his duty to the family and his principles. Yet he kept failing. .... just when i thought i was out, they pull me back in!!!!!!!!

[@jackfahy2283]

The first one is his descent into the villain where he ends up killing Fredo

[@Kianistani]

Jack Fahy that again, i do not see as a descent into being a villain Fredo had to go. His error was too large to ignore. He was involved in getting sunny killed. It’s a tough world governed by harsh codes. Michael was acting not as Fredos brother, but as the Godfather. If he let Fredo live out of his love overcoming his sense of duty and what needs to be done, then effectively he would have been writing a death sentence for every member of the family that he was now responsible for. Michael’s dad got shot as a result of a tiny mistake by sunny that informed the enemy that there was a tiny potential of a disagreement between the godfather and his successor. They took this as an opportunity of getting rid of the godfather and replacing him with someone they could do business with. If Michael let Fredo live, the result would have been far worse. So as see it, it was not an attempt for him to get more powerful personally, but to ensure the survival of. His embattled family.

[@MiodragSimke]

@@Kianistani You are right about everything about this video, but you are not right about Fredo. When Micheal killed his own brother he destroyed himself and his family too, forever.

[@Kianistani]

MiodragSimke Dear friend. I do not disagree with what you say. It is true that it destroyed him. I am not arguing the contrary. What i am arguing is that what he did was not out of selfish desire to gain power, like what Jacck’s video suggests. Rather, it was out of a sense of duty. A duty and a responsibility that he carried out at his own personal cost.

[@MiodragSimke]

@@Kianistani Yes, everything in Part 1 that he do is because of duty, but in Part 2 he become obsessed with power and revenge, because of that he killed innocent girl that was in the bed with guverner, and because of that he killed his own brother.

[@daniellado2523]

Just watched the godfather movies the other day, they are still remarkable with both the writing and acting.

[@johannessylvester9357]

Lol "still" the two greatest movies of all time

[@KaizerBeatz-vf9wf]

It’s only the dubbing at some points which stop the movies from being perfect. Dubbing gets worse in the third one too with Sofia Coppola’s lack of expression. Lol.

[@randomdude6719]

69 likes

[@natalieps2387]

Michael was a cold sociopath while his father had warmth to him. Michael has the greatest character arc ever. We see why he changes. I think the most brilliant scene is when enzo the Baker is shaking so bad from anxiety & stress he cant light his cigarette then michael lights it for him & his hands are steady as a rock. Powerful.

[@RockyoLP]

In my opinion the first and second one are the most 'complete' a movie can get. Still getting goosebumps after rewatching them for the 100th time!

[@thepowerman8952]

Agreed. Fiirst two are both good, the first is best, but third is not great.

[@ParentsNightIn]

Such a great character arc. Michael is the last character you’d expect to become a cold-blooded, ruthless mob boss, but the script transitions him into that role so effortlessly and logically it works 100%. One of our favorite movies and the subject of our newest video.

[@tturnquest1]

This is a great video. The Godfather Parts I and II are two of my favorite movies of all time. They are two films that have gotten me in the world of cinema.

[@djsixgrams]

Me too - godfather was instrumental ... and seeing Fellini work in college classes. Then Hitchcock work... after seeing those types of movies you just kinda get obsessed with the art form .. ill watch fincher or coen or depalma but i feel like nothing compares to what Coppola accomplished. The sistine chapel of cinema and everyone must bow to such greatness

[@KaizerBeatz-vf9wf]

DJ SIX GRAMS Have you seen Analyze This? It’s the only gangster movie that trumps The Godfather films for me. But I agree De Palma is great. I love Snake Eyes 😫

[@brotherbrod]

“i know it was you fredo, you broke my heart. you broke my heart.”

[@starlord9664]

I literally just watched the godfather trilogy Marathon on cable

[@DONSMOKEPAPI]

@Shahaan Singh yes cause you forget how good 2 was, so 3 doesnt feel as bad as it really is compared to 1 and 2 lol

[@KaizerBeatz-vf9wf]

Shahaan G Definitely. It’s no coincidence Godfather Part 2 was sent to cinemas with an intermission in the middle too. I feel like The Godfather films are comparable to stuff like The Lord of the Rings with the amount of fictional mythos involving families, characters, locations, timelines, etc to all be delved into in the movies & the books. But I don’t think it would be wise to binge all of them in one sitting. Similar with watching the 9 hour LoTR marathons, I think there should be short intermissions. (Similar things for Star Wars trilogy marathons too, for example)

[@kylerp171]

I have a DVD trilogy. So far, I've only seen the first one so far

[@krishnagauci2535]

@@DONSMOKEPAPI LOL... so true

[@mangoFace1987]

What made you think marrying Apollonia was a power move?

[@hello2jello4mellow34]

The power of her tits ...

[@nacs]

Yep no idea what he meant there. I thought she was just a simple country girl and her father was just a shop owner or something?

[@floridagator1765]

Michael gave up some power trying to be a big shot in Sicilly and exposed himself to Apollonia's father and his personal bodyguards. He was still being hunted in the U.S..

[@dksoulstice6040]

Something I see from a lot of people, is why Michael talks to Apollonia's father, he hints at himself being a powerful figure and in doing so, gets her father to agree to allow him to see Apollonia. His father stormed off once his daughter was brought up, but once Michael reveals himself as a powerful person, Apollonia's father sings a different tune. Perhaps that's the power move he means, because Michael genuinely loved Apollonia and married her because of this.

[@MarsORdie]

Sean Strauss It is a power move for a Sicilian to marry another Sicilian. It reinforces the ideas of la familia.

[@mortalclown3812]

One of the best commentaries I've seen about this film. Just terrific. Thank you.

[@VorpalSlade]

Interesting take on it all. But for me the TRUE shift was after his wife was blown up in the car in Sicily. Michael still seems very relutctant and nervous before, during and after committing the murder in the restaurant. He does not drop the gun and walk away as he was told, instead walking away with the gun then tossing it noisily aside. He is still not a calculated expert at this point, merely carrying out orders as he did during his time in the military. But after the car bomb, almost from the next scene we see him in, he immediately starts wearing dark suits and waistcoats, speaks much more coldly, and is more ruthless, much more remeniscent of his father in his actions and reactions than he was before he left for Sicily.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Nice insight into Michael. Personally I would argue his transition to outright villainy gets completed in Part II. At the end of Part I, you can still fool yourself a little about him, especially with the "legitimate in five years" pledge. When Kay mentions how it's been seven years in Part II, that's one of many early warning signs on where he's headed.

[@KMHill]

Character development I admire most in an American film is The Deer Hunter.

[@CoinOpTV]

classic flick

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

@ 2.39 "resents this but isn't angry." Resentment *is* anger, the slow burning kind.

[@nathanslay6342]

The Godfather is one of the greatest films ever made. Great characters and very solid writing.

[@djsixgrams]

Great analysis on the GREATEST movie of all time! Sort of movie you watch 100 times and learn something new w/every viewing - i liked the commentary on power and how the brothers differ in how they show it. You are right - only michael for the most part shows self control

[@bonk3810]

“I never saw him as a villain.” ~ Al Pacino.

[@dmmchugh3714]

Does Michael ever really come to love what he does ? Or did he act to protect and help his family - and he became a brilliant Don to make it happen.

[@jarettfinau11]

I’m not sure I agree with Michael being obsessed with power. I see Michael more of his circumstances of the killing of his loved ones turning him ruthless. Ironically the ruthlessness that protects his family is also in turn what severs his relationships with his family

[@georgejohnson7013]

What did he mean power over her father, he didn't care about her father, he just wanted the girl

[@nacs]

Yeah I didn't get that either. I thought her father was just a simple shop owner or something?

[@ernestromano1967]

If Michael didn't have the power, he would never have gotten the girl. The father knew Michael meant business and thought of the consequences if he didn't let Michael get to know her. The "old" Michael would have no shot!

[@langletprolet8378]

@@ernestromano1967That's obvious. But the video mentioned that getting Apollonia was a "power move" by itself, not "through using" a power move, which is the part that is confusing.

[@manea7074]

Runade nope he after don corleone was shot.

[@vaughancapstick9961]

Great stuff Jack. I'm still trying to get around to writing an essay titled: 'The death of innocence,' regarding the family set up and its children seen throughout each movie. They play an important visaul element and constantly reinforce the notion of family, in all its aspects. Really appreciate the amount of hard work you put into each piece and how it takes over your life if you want it to say what you wish - a bit like raising children! Bravo! Thank you. vaughan

[@rustcohle8638]

"While in Italy, he chooses Apollonia not out of his own lust but instead to gain power over her father." Say what? Her father was a reasonably well-off guy for a cafe-owner in 1940s Sicily, but I don't understand how you got that notion at all. The movie didn't even allude to him being involved in crime at all, he was just an old guy with a beautiful daughter. Hell, he seemed like he really liked Michael after he formally requested to court her.

[@WiWiMakeup]

ONE THING: MICHAEL WAS REALLY IN LOVE WITH APOLLONIA :) THANKS

[@ryanhouk3560]

big disagreement when you say he chose Appolina because of her father... he was in love with her, and she represented a mafia wife, where Kay represented an outside one. When he marries Kay, and continues to become the don, his relationship becomes strained for that reason.

[@TheJamaican777]

And to add what you said, if Appolina didn't die Michael would've brought her back to the states where she would've been a nice Sicilian wife. Kay, who was once the love of his life, ended up being the default choice. He just needed a wife so he could have heirs.

[@yangatsoko7300]

You fuckin nailed it, cheers 🥂 to you!

[@dxshawn532]

@@TheJamaican777 Love of his life? Michael never loved kay, In a way she was just a form of rebellion.

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

She also represented the chance of a secure family that would love him and redeem his humanity. Be the counterpoint to all of his heinous acts. Once she died, he was gone.

[@Protoman85]

I never got the impression Michael wanted power just to become the most powerrful for the glory, but to protect his family(also, anyway)

[@Pensive_117]

Have you read the book, sir?

[@lindalicata8303]

All Pacino should have won an Oscar for Godfather.

[@andrewabbott1741]

As always, thanks you so much for these. You da man.

[@Termiduck]

absolutely brilliant video

[@PureSparkles22]

2:00 calm and level headed

[@iohohoihhiohoihooi877]

With all due respect, I think you've completely misunderstood Michaels character.

[@Terry.W]

The godfather films are so good and reward rewatching..

[@Darrenmcinnes70]

Good stuff as usual. Keep up the good work!

[@technician006]

I don't think he's in search of power. He's protecting his family. If he were searching for power, he would've joined his family business a long time ago. But he knew they were corrupt. Bottom line, I think he was backed into a corner and he had to make a choice.

[@Budasrosary]

Everyone's entitled to their own opinions of course, but I think Michael is often enough severely misunderstood. It's not that he's a cold blooded murderer or that everything's business to him (actually in the book he lectures Tom on what Vito really means when he says that phrase) or that his family matters less to him that it did to his father. They are actually incredibly alike and want the best for their children, the difference is that they both grew up and faced very different situations and that Michael is a lot more reserved and calculating than his brothers, which is why in the end, its him who survives becomes the Don. I don't know but Michael, with all of his sins and hard choices -Fredo situation specially- seems to be like a reluctant and bitter hero of his own family than a cold blooded villain or sociopath. I suppose that's why I fell in love with the movies and the characters, no one is who they seem to be at first sight.

[@agustindelavega6177]

My favorite movie of all time! Happy New Year!!!!!

[@Ciara1594]

I think it was chilling that when he was at his baby's baptism promising to "forsake the works of Satan" there are hits being carried out on his order. 😯

[@sethevans7587]

This video really made me reminest. Really miss this film.

[@HeavenlyRaven1978]

Michael was true bad ass by the time we hit the Baptismal scene in The Godfather. Absolute power corrupts ABSOLUTE!!!!!🔫

[@onepercentruleeveryday]

100 percent. things like this and godfather attitude is important for finding improvement opportunities in self and improving from within. Have a positive attitude and keep improving 1% everyday:)

[@iambatman2638]

do one for casablanca plz

[@fotzegamingandmedia1840]

Michael fell for Apollonia before he met her father, if anything he came in contact with her father because he was wanting information on this girl he's seen. You're wrong, and I can't believe you misunderstood what was happening in this scene so dramatically

[@kenoliver8913]

Yes, Jack's is frankly a bizarre interpretation of that scene and of who the father is. It's so far off target that you have to worry about the rest of the video.

[@willlocklin7406]

You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

[@scotttully8572]

This is literally what happens to me with every Italian relationship (I am an American). They tell you that you're their highest priority, but the conditioning wins out in the end: the family sucks them back in and you get sent to the curb.

[@josedanielcallejassandoval2964]

Thanks for the amazing video. Happy New Year and we hope you keep bringing great content in 2019!!!

[@abandonallhope.1040]

If only Anakin Skywalker had this level of character development, I'd sympathize with him a lot more.

[@tomsaer705]

Hope 2019 sees your channel continue to grow! have watched since ~20k subs I think. Always good content

[@nateds7326]

I think marlin Brando should’ve won for supporting actor. Al Pacino should’ve been nominated and won best actor. Pacino gets the big character arc, he’s clearly the main character and he even has the most screen time. Oh yeah and he’s f*cking incredible but that’s pretty obvious.

[@johannessylvester9357]

Finally, always look forward to your analysis. You should discuss Vito in part 2 aswell.

[@FlybyGuys]

Well done on another fine and informative video.

[@chrisramirez3058]

nah dawg, michael got struck by lighting when he saw her remember? plus she got them pink pepperons cmon, badabing he went deep inside

[@rebar33]

Apollonia was just gorgeous and innocent. Pretty straightforward

[@brgreg8725]

He does everything differently from what Clemenza tells him to do in the restaurant scene. He doesn’t ask to go to the bathroom, he doesn’t shoot them each twice in the head and he doesn’t drop the gun right away. What it says is that Michael will listen to advice but ultimately he will do it his way!

[@Post-Yap_Clarity]

Sure, Micheal wants power for his own interest, but isn’t he also pursuing the legitimacy of his enterprise, (clean the Mafia’s businesses), to secure the safety and prestige of his family? This is highlighted heavily in The Godfather part II, in which he has a convoluted view of what the love for his family is with that of ‘la familia.’

[@annmulholland9419]

The transition of an angel to the devil.

[@KaizerBeatz-vf9wf]

And then after Godfather 3, that devil trains Keanu Reeves in the Devil’s Advocate.

[@bomieboda6775]

I love the content man.

[@sebastienyoutube692]

I don’t think Michael’s character ark is about power, it’s more about the paranoia of being the godfather because he can’t really trust anyone after Fabrizio killed Apolonia.

[@johntheos]

Michael never trusted Fabrizio. He was no fool. It wasn't until his brother made a deal with Johnny Ola behind his back, his wife had an abortion behind his back, which Tom never told him about, and his sister allowed Kay to visit the kids behind his back, that Michael lost the trust in his family.

[@homermontana2392]

@@johntheos i think you're mixing fabrizio with fredo

[@chickendrawsdogs3343]

ScreenPrism did a similar video dissecting the character Walter White in Breaking Bad, and the similarities between Michael and Walter in regard to the "lust for power" are eerie.

[@blason56]

I dont agree with the power part. Michael became a captain in the military. The godfather is more a comment about the impact of american culture on old fasion italian values. Contrary to his father, Michael fully embrassed the american culture. More could be said, but really good video.

[@Modenut]

I've seen this movie several times but this video is the first time I noticed the continuity error in the restaurant scene when Michael assasinates the two guys.

[@djsixgrams]

What do you mean?

[@Modenut]

When Michael shoots the cop he first shoots him in the throat and then in the head. Only the blood on the forehead is already applied when he fires the first shot to the throat hehe.

[@yvesheinrich5013]

After watching this, I could only wish there was more closer work with Marlon and Al. Like in Godfather; like father, like son. The chemistry would've been off the charts.

[@tobiasjacobsen4768]

These were the fastest 8 min of my life

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Even if he did “turn bad” as you put it, I don’t think he ever was the villain of the film since villain is the character going against the protagonist he never stopped being nor was there another protagonist left he was against.

[@SG-xe1mv]

I like the video but disagree about Michael's intention. I think his character is formed through the wait of obligation towards his family. However Michael lacks Vito's love towards his family as he is forced to live a life he never wanted. In order to fulfill the legacy he abandoned the qualities that Kay loved in him. But he did have a choice...so those words'Family is everything' really do reflect the theme of the movie

[@Lodatzor]

I think you're misdiagnosing the impact of his time in Sicily. He falls for Apollonia the first time he sees her, and even goes so far as to reveal his secret identity just for the chance to meet her, under her father's supervision. This then is cut tragically short when his attendant tries to murder him, and instead kills Apollonia. If anything, it's another example of how despite his desire to just have a simple life, even in the Old Country his family business comes back to haunt him. That's why, when he comes back to the US, he's bent most on avenging his family and making sure the family business is strong. He takes over because Sonny is dead, and because Vito is growing older and more frail. It's truly not until the very end of the movie that he comes to love power for its own sake, when he has dispatched all his enemies, and now has the inherited mantle of the Don. The kissing of the ring upon his hand is the true passing of the torch, and thus his descent into villainy is complete.

[@Nero-ox5tw]

"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain" Michael left his comfortable life with Kay and a respectable role in society for a selfless act to step up to the plate when his father is vunerable. He never loved Kay, he wanted to be with Kay to prove that you could get by without using his families ways. He didn't want to be affiliated with his families affairs but had to be selfless when he witnesses his own powerful/invincible father on his death bed, he realises how much he loves and respects his fathers sacrifices to ensure his family have great lives. Michael in that very moment takes the heroic route and gives up his old life to ensure what his father built is not destroyed. In Sicily he falls in love with Apollonia and gets comfortable yet again, but when his brother is murdered and Apollonia is assassinated, he returns home yet again to help his family in this war. During the time after all this loss he doesn't learn compassion or empathy like his father did, leading him to be this cold don that shows very little mercy. He confuses his father's respect and love for his family with a cold and narrow minded approach to controlling the family business. That is when he starts to become a villain. When he kills Fredo, when Kay tells Michael she doesn't love him anymore. He ultimately loses sight of his original motivations for taking on the role of the Don leading him to hurt his own family and end up alone. I don't think Michael ever had a thirst for power. Being the don was a requirement for him.

[@arandonnelly5673]

Great analysis as always. Please do The Godfather: Part II next!

[@miaminotorious]

Daaamn godfather 2 plzzz.... the BEST ONE... str8 up

[@mahmoudmakhlouf7571]

great video, i have always had this idea about michaels arc , that he never really changes he had the arrogance and cruelty all the time with in himself and i think that is the ending of part 2 means( which i consider is the best movie ending ever) we see maichaels after committing his most horrifying act (killing friedo) reflecting on his past and with him now we are able to Realize that his desire to Separates himself from the family business actually reflect him wanting to be better than his brothers and to dictit his on pass dispit what vito planed which of course give maichaels great sence of power

[@Nicholaskcl]

This is a great analysis

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Thanks Nick!

[@richardthayer5907]

fantastic !!! Intelligent sharp and informed....thank you

[@sethlujan2213]

would you like to do an analysis on la confidential that is one of my favorite films of all time and one of the greatest neo noir films of all time

[@Judeaben]

in movie terms, Michael Corleone-as well as his father and brothers-is not a villain. He is an anti-hero

[@afonsolucas2219]

I'll say he might be lusting for power and control but as a way of keeping in check his life and loved ones. But of course the latter isn't as easy as to organize the mob in New York or Las Vegas. He forces his family into situations that lead to unhappiness in order to protect them. To do it he thinks he must have control, he gains it by being in power. He will never let a loved one die. Especially after Apollonia. So in a way you've made me understand Michael better. Even if I fundamentally disagree about the core reason of his actions. But I still have to put into words how he parallels Vito...

[@chickenlover657]

Michael never loved Kay. He just wanted to be "normal". Even when he goes back to Kay, he only does so because his other "normal" life failed and he NEEDS that strand of "normalcy" to anchor him.

[@freebee8221]

its a story about vito corleone and his 4 sons(includin his adopted son tom hagen)

[@sirlordhenrymortimer6620]

Merry Christmas and a very happy new year

[@My20GUNS]

Please do a video on The Godfather Part II!!!

[@jakedrago7805]

Nice presentation but I respectfully disagree my impression of Michael was never a lust for power but rather a sense of duty to protect his family when they needed it the most . He never wanted to get into the life but the attempted hit on Veto all but forced him down the path which he was willing to walk in order to protect those he cared about. The cost he paid in his soul was immense and in the end left him with almost nothing.

[@johntheos]

Yes, exactly. I remember the scene in Godfather II when he's talking to his mother at the fireplace. He asks her, "By being strong, can a man lose his family?" Michael always loved his family and wanted to protect them, and this movie showed that trying to protect your loved ones "at all costs" will backfire if the cost is too high.

[@javimurillo6571]

Dope video.

[@angelorosario8417]

If you want more insight into the Godfather's Character insights, read the book. I don't agree with some of the Character analysis here, really! First off, the young Sicilian Woman's name was "Appollonia" and Michael had the major hots for her! He had no interest in her father! Anyway, just food for thought! The Godfather, one of the best films ever made! Peace!👍👊

[@kenoliver8913]

You don't need the book to understand that Jack has got the whole Sicilian interlude completely wrong.

[@Kopte_88]

"I loved America....America made me rich"

[@christianrodriguez1103]

Anyone know the song that starts at 4:10?

[@kamoheloiannk617]

The power point is completely wrong. He marries apalonia because she’s the classic wife that won’t ever question his business like the wife his father Vito had. Not to gain power over her father. That was just a bonus. That wasn’t the intention.

[@kamoheloiannk617]

Apolonia’s death if anything shows Micheal how powerless he really is which inspires his paranoia

[@MelodeusForever]

Do you think Michael Pushed Kay away because he sw the future of what he was getting involved with and he loved her so much that he made the call?

[@ajbrown1619]

One question I've never seen answered in the book or the film as I remember them from a few years ago - did Kay know about him and appolonia and what happened to her???

[@theresistance3818]

...well....there you have it.

[@CinematicsEGY]

Dude .. You're amazing !

[@anirudhprasadmandal4826]

Reg LP'sards John Yi

[@millennialmoviefan9202]

Great video! I did a review of the Godfather on my channel as well! Lots to talk about such a great film. Love it

[@y.r._]

I think you're wrong about Michael and Kay. The part about Apollonia may be true, but he did not stop caring for Kay. I think he married her because she is the last thing that's left from his days as a "honourable" man, which he wants to go back to. I don't think that Michael actually LIKES the power; I believe that he thinks that he NEEDS the power, although he doesn't actually like it. He seems himself as some kind of martyr.

[@franjes9999]

Good video but I disagree with your overall position I don’t see Michael as the type of condemned villain with a marked soul in the same way he’s not an absolute tyrant focused completely on power till the very end of the first movie. He’s had the family business thrust upon him he didn’t involve himself by choice. Kay and Apollonia as romantic interests represent the two halves of his arc the innocent college boy and the mafia don he’d become. Kay is the woman he wanted before he was thrust into the family business and she represents his hopes of achieving the American dream and Apollonia represents the traditional Sicilian woman he needed to truly succeed in the world he was apart of. He loved both but ultimately Apollonia dying cemented the realisation that there was no escape from taking charge of his fathers expire. Michael going back to Kay was a desperate attempt at him trying to somehow resist the mafia path, to try and legitimise the family and be a man different from his father and brother. But ultimately no matter how hard he tries he’s forced to be ruthless to take care of the family and the family business, that reoccurs through the first two movies. You’re right that Michael displays more self interest than his father but the thing they share is that both ultimately become the people they do because it’s thrust upon them because they’re trying to protect their families. The movie despite Michaels fall is more an exploration of family in my eyes than power but it’s very open to interpretation. The difference being Vito separates the two whilst Michael ultimately being forced into it the way he is almost begins to see the family and the family business as one and the same. Overall enjoyable video

[@Beiskraft]

Hah the ending scene is top on after your observations

[@samiodeh3785]

Thanks for the effort But I wanted to know Why didn't they make GF 4 To show the sequence of His daughter's death and vincent corleone rising in the middle of it he dies, Just wondering because it was very very very fast ending of a saga that might get the chance for 2 additional sequels Kindly reply Thank you

[@johntheos]

Because Godfather 3 was panned by the critics, and didn't make as much money as expected at the box office.

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

@ 5.15‐.20 Disagree. In book & movie Michael is "struck by lightning." That is intense infatuation & lust. Power, in that situation, is icing on the cake.

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

Great video.

[@robcochran6213]

I believe your analysis is off. Michael wants to protect his family as much as his father but lacks other attributes of the Don that show up in his brothers, such as the sensitivity of Fredo. Without his father's abilities he's just filling in his father seat and not very well at that. He later went after Kay because he needed a breed mare.