Summary from Michael’s POV
Michael Corleone begins as the reluctant son of a powerful Mafia family. Having distanced himself from his family's criminal empire, he returns home for his sister's wedding, where he reassures his girlfriend, Kay, that he is not involved in his father’s business. However, when his father, Vito Corleone, is nearly assassinated, Michael is pulled into the violent underworld. In a pivotal moment, he kills Sollozzo and McCluskey, setting him on an irreversible path toward becoming the new Don. As the story unfolds, Michael methodically eliminates his enemies, takes control of the family, and ultimately loses his soul in the process. By the film’s end, he has fully embraced his role as the new Godfather, shutting out Kay and cementing his transformation.
Michael’s Hero’s Journey
1. The Ordinary World
Michael is an outsider to his family's business, a war hero engaged in an honest life with Kay.
Screenwriting Tip: Establish a clear contrast between the protagonist’s starting point and where they will end up.
2. The Call to Adventure
Vito Corleone is shot, and the family is thrown into chaos.
Screenwriting Tip: A hero's journey begins with an external event that forces them to reconsider their path.
3. Refusal of the Call
Michael initially resists involvement, stating, “That’s my family, Kay, not me.”
Screenwriting Tip: A strong character arc is built on initial resistance to change, making the transformation more compelling.
4. Meeting the Mentor
Michael’s mentor is Vito, but also Tom Hagen and Clemenza, who guide him into the world of organized crime.
Screenwriting Tip: A mentor figure should guide the protagonist toward their inevitable transformation.
5. Crossing the Threshold
Michael kills Sollozzo and McCluskey, severing his ties with his former life.
Screenwriting Tip: The protagonist should take an irreversible action that signifies their commitment to the journey.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Michael hides in Sicily, where he experiences love and loss, reinforcing his transformation.
Screenwriting Tip: Midpoint challenges should reinforce the protagonist's journey and add depth to their development.
7. The Approach to the Inmost Cave
Returning to America, Michael finds the family in disarray and Vito weakened.
Screenwriting Tip: The hero must confront their final resistance before stepping into their new role.
8. The Ordeal
Vito dies, and Michael’s enemies plot against him. The baptism sequence marks his final descent into darkness as he orchestrates the elimination of his rivals.
Screenwriting Tip: A hero’s transformation is complete when they take an action that contradicts their original beliefs.
9. The Reward
Michael secures absolute power, but at the cost of his morality.
Screenwriting Tip: The protagonist should get what they wanted but at an unexpected cost.
10. The Road Back
Kay questions Michael about Carlo’s death, signaling the beginning of his emotional isolation.
Screenwriting Tip: The return to the ordinary world should feel alien, highlighting the protagonist's irreversible change.
11. The Resurrection
Michael lies to Kay, and the office door closes on her, symbolizing the final loss of his humanity.
Screenwriting Tip: The final transformation should be visualized in a way that resonates with the audience.
12. Return with the Elixir
Michael has become the new Godfather, embracing his destiny fully.
Screenwriting Tip: The protagonist should return with newfound power or wisdom, but often at great cost.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Power and Corruption
Michael’s journey illustrates how power corrupts, transforming an idealistic outsider into a ruthless leader.
Screenwriting Tip: Show gradual transformation through key decisions rather than telling the audience.
2. Family vs. Duty
Michael begins by rejecting his family’s ways, only to become the embodiment of its values.
Screenwriting Tip: Build internal conflict within characters to make their journey more compelling.
3. The Cost of Power
Michael loses his soul in the pursuit of securing his family’s power.
Screenwriting Tip: Every protagonist should pay a price for their journey.
4. Religious Symbolism
The baptism scene contrasts Michael’s claim to legitimacy with his ruthless killings.
Screenwriting Tip: Use visual irony to reinforce themes.
Conclusion
Michael Corleone’s journey in The Godfather is a masterclass in storytelling. His transformation from reluctant outsider to ruthless leader is compelling because it follows a structured and inevitable descent. The film’s themes of power, corruption, and sacrifice resonate deeply, making it one of the most iconic character arcs in cinema. Understanding how Michael’s journey aligns with the hero’s journey template can provide valuable insights for screenwriters crafting their own compelling protagonists.
STORY NOTES
I’m a professional, working screenwriter/director/producer.
I have worked with Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption), Harvey Keitel (Pulp Fiction), Olga Kurylenko (Quantum Of Solace), Matt Doran (The Matrix).
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