The Godfather: How Michael Corleone Evolves

The Godfather: How Michael Corleone Changes. Michael Corleone is the protagonist in 'The Godfather' and this video essay is a character study of how his character evolves throughout the movie.

After each murder, there is a transformation of Al Pacino's character Michael Corleone over the course of the three Godfather movies, but the key change takes place in Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather' (1972).

This essay explores the five stages of change in Michael Corleone, from his history as a marine, his relationship to his girlfriend Kay, his evolving relationship with his father Vito (played by Marlon Brando), and his brothers.

Michael Corleone expresses his loyalty to his family through sacrifice and finds true meaning in his life. This is how Michael evolves and becomes Don Corleone.

FAIR USE NOTICE:
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made "fair use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

Timestamps:
0:00 What Makes a Man Change?
1:56 How Michael Begins
3:40 Business Not Personal
4:39 Prodigal Son Returns
5:55 Becoming a Soldier
7:42 Sicily
9:16 Head of the Family
12:07 Don Corleone

Music used:
‘C Major Prelude’ by Bach
‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ by Mozart
‘Pachabelly’ by Huma-huma
‘Ischia’ by Mini Vandals
‘Beethoven 7th Symphony’ by Philadelphia Orchestra (Public Domain)
‘Digital Solitude’ by Silent Partner