While I really did enjoy the various insights by the director & actors, I disagree very much with what all their opinions were of the basic story and "what it all meant." Basically, they all see Michael as a tragic figure, cursed because he did such ""unspeakable" acts during his life.
Maybe they should actually watch their own movie, since I have a much different view -- and I've lost track of how many times I've watched the entire series ... 20? More, maybe.
Michael didn't start this war -- it was thrust upon him by Solozzo, Tattaglia, Barzini & the rest. They started this, strictly to eliminate the Corleone family for opposing Solozzo's new project, and apparently all of the Five Families were involved. They also deliberately corrupted Michael's family (both blood and business partners) to further the elimination of the Corleone Family. The murders and assassination attempts are pretty obvious to anyone who's seen the films.
These "evil acts" did not stem any inherent criminality or evil intent on Michael's part. Keep in mind that he wanted nothing to do with the family business and avoided it completely -- until the murderous machinations of the Five Families forced him to act TO PROTECT HIS FAMILY. No other motive is evident on his part, period. If he hadn't stepped in to stop the destrucion of his family, who would? Fredo? The Tooth Fairy?
Everything stems from the evil acts of others, and he just did what was necessary to save those he loved, nothing more.
Was Michael a tragic figure -- yes, obviously. But it was not his doing, and if he had NOT done what he thought necessary, give some thought as to what might have been the outcome, and whether any Corleone would have been left alive.
Maybe they should actually watch their own movie, since I have a much different view -- and I've lost track of how many times I've watched the entire series ... 20? More, maybe.
Michael didn't start this war -- it was thrust upon him by Solozzo, Tattaglia, Barzini & the rest. They started this, strictly to eliminate the Corleone family for opposing Solozzo's new project, and apparently all of the Five Families were involved. They also deliberately corrupted Michael's family (both blood and business partners) to further the elimination of the Corleone Family. The murders and assassination attempts are pretty obvious to anyone who's seen the films.
These "evil acts" did not stem any inherent criminality or evil intent on Michael's part. Keep in mind that he wanted nothing to do with the family business and avoided it completely -- until the murderous machinations of the Five Families forced him to act TO PROTECT HIS FAMILY. No other motive is evident on his part, period. If he hadn't stepped in to stop the destrucion of his family, who would? Fredo? The Tooth Fairy?
Everything stems from the evil acts of others, and he just did what was necessary to save those he loved, nothing more.
Was Michael a tragic figure -- yes, obviously. But it was not his doing, and if he had NOT done what he thought necessary, give some thought as to what might have been the outcome, and whether any Corleone would have been left alive.