The Difference of T wo F amily Criminals

1. The Difference of Two Family Criminals P.6 Tye L. Mckenzie W. Mckenzie G. Jim T.

2. Thesis The Godfather is a substantive film that separates the blood family from the crime, and shows the migration of power from one family member to the other.

3. The Transfer of Power • We are focusing on the film through the eyes of Vito and Michael, and how their priorities for the two families slowly merge and later flip. Michael had the mentality to stay out of the business until Vito got attacked. This led to Michael taking over the business, and Vito being a retired gangster focused on the blood family and their protection.

4. #1. Vito’s switch from Crime to family Vito has the mentality of a gangster. He was focused on business, and made sure that his blood family never got affected because of the crime family. This scene establishes that Vito is the dominate Don of all the “five families”. It also shows how Vito respects friendship just as much as business. “Let me make him an offer he can’t refuse.”- Vito Corleone

5. #1. Michael is isolated from the family Michael makes the point of isolating himself from the family because he does not believe in what they do. He is almost ashamed of their actions and wants no part in it. Both Michael and Vito want to see Michael be a big part in politics, and stay out of the “family”. Michael tells Kay how he is not a part of the “family”. Everyone in his “family” thinks he is crazy for being in the army because he id helping people he does’t know. Kay is still insanely interested in the crime family. “That’s my family… Not me!”-Michael Corleone

6. #2. Vito as a respected “family” leader Vito is so respected that people are lined up to ask favors of him. This is a key scene because it shows how the Corleone family is the most respected and feared. The wedding scene uses contrast in light to show the difference between the “family”, and the real family. “ That is not justice, fore your daughter is still alive!”- Vito Corleone

7. #2. Michael joining the “family” Michael reacts out of pure rage and joins the crime family in an attempt to murder his fathers attackers. This scene is important because it is the thresh hold of blood to crime. Sonny Corleone:“You're taking this very personal. Tom, this is business and this man is taking it very, very personal.” Michael Corleone:[to Sonny]“It's not personal. It's strictly business.” Once Vito realized that his son Michael had assassinated Sollozzo; he was concerned about his safety, Not the business.

8. #3. Vito’s harsh dethroning Vito is shot, leaving it up to the brothers to run the company for the first time. This is also a transfer of power as it shows the rise of Michael as the families new leader. This was the start of the other family members thirst for revenge. Starting with the “absent” body guard Paulie. “ I’m sorry! I didn’t know what to do!” - Fredo

9. #3. Earning back family respect The church scene is VERY important because it captures the essence that Michael has learned to separate the crime family from the blood, and is now dedicated as the crime father and the god father. The Priest:“Michael, Francis Rizzi, do you renounce Satan?” Michael Corleone:“I do renounce him.” The Priest:“And all his works?” Michael Corleone:” I do renounce them.” This scene has the under lined meaning of him not only becoming the god father of the child, yet also the god father of the “family”.

10. #4. Reconsidering the importance of Business In this scene Vito realizes that Tommy should be respected as a part of the blood family, and should not be kicked out of the crime family just because he is adopted. Vito rarely defended Tommy because he was adopted, yet this scene shows how he values the blood family as much, If not more than the Crime “family”. “Well, Michael's head of the family now and if give his permission then you have my blessing.”- Vito Corleone

11. #4. The Mighty Corleones under new control Michael is not only a part of the family, yet he is offended that Moe Green found their family weak. Michael is now instigating in the family, and earning back their respect. Tom Hagen:“You know how they're gonna come at you?” Michael Corleone:“They're arranging a meeting in Brooklyn. Tessio's ground. Where I'll be safe.” Tom Hagen:“I always thought it would have been Clemenza not Tessio.” Michael Corleone:“It's the smart move. Tessio was always smarter. But I'm gonna wait, after the Baptism. I've decided to be Godfather to Connie's baby. And then I meet the Don Barzini and Tattaglias, all the heads of the Five Families.” This scene shows Vito giving Michael permission to be the new Don of their “family”.

12. #5. The Grandfather This scene is the final scene of Vito, and it captures the essence that Vito lived a happy life. It also guarantees the idea of respect for your family. When business becomes to dangerous you must step back. Vito is now retired. He is only focused on the blood family and making sure that they are safe. This is finally when all the control is left in the hands of Michael. “come here your spilling it!”- Vito Corleone

13. #5. The New Don The movie ends with Michael lying to Kay to protect her, and the other gang members respecting him as the new Don. Michael Corleone:“All right. This one time. This one time I'll let you ask me about my affairs.” Kay Adams:“Is it true? Is it?” Michael Corleone:“No.” This scene is important because it mirrors the beginning of the movie; showing a respected “family” leader in his rightful place.

14. Conclusion The idea of family is the same in all cultures. It is a place where you are always accepted, and always loved. The Corleone's base both the blood and crime families off of respect for each other. The concept of separation between to two families is brought up multiple times. Michael went form being a virtuous young man to a crime leader. This is what family can do to you. We find that the meaning deep inside this amazing film is that you will do whatever it takes to keep your family safe, and no matter what happens; you will always be there for each other. Vito didn’t want this life for Michael. He saw massive potential in him and wanted him to stay separate from the crime family. Once Vito realized that Michael was to into it to back out, he gave him one last tip. Make sure everything he does is just good business and nothing else. Never react from anger or you will harm those not involved.