A Godfather Twist: The Impact of Luca Brasi’s Send-off to Sollozo

Imagine a different version of The Godfather. What would happen if Don Vito Corleone sent a seasoned assassin named Luca Brasi to infiltrate Sollozo's organization rather than the flashy but nervous Brasi that we know from the movie? This alternative scenario could have drastically changed the course of the Corleone family's story. Let’s dive into the hypothetical changes and implications of such a shift.

Pre-Meeting Scenario Impact

Depending on the timing, sending a veteran hitman like Luca Brasi instead of the faltering Brasi could have radically altered the Godfather's plot. If the veteran hitman had been dispatched before the meeting with Sollozzo and his lackeys, the balance of power in New York would have shifted dramatically. The classic turning point where Don Vito declines and Sonny opens his mouth, giving away crucial information, would have been avoided. Sollozzo and Barzini would have found themselves in a much more difficult position, with less intel at their disposal.

From that point on, playing the angles would involve different strategies. The Corleones might have faced fewer challenges, allowing them to consolidate their power more effectively. Such a change would have profoundly altered the narrative of the film, leading to a different path for Michael and his subsequent involvement with the crime family.

Post-Meeting Scenario Impact

Now, consider what happens after the meeting. The veteran Brasi, having already infiltrated Sollozzo's organization, would have gathered intelligence without drawing suspicion. He could have provided crucial information to the Corleones, potentially saving Vito Corleone from the assassination attempt. This scenario would have spared Michael from the pivotal moment of his father's betrayal and instead allowed him to live a different life.

Michael would likely have pursued a different career path, perhaps aligning himself with politics or other pursuits. He might have had a more conventional life, albeit one filled with the constant threat of his family’s underworld dealings. However, this alternative path would not have the dramatic narrative arc that makes Michael a compelling character in the film. Without the trauma of his father's betrayal, Michael’s transformation into a hardened crime boss and eventual succession to the family reign would have been markedly different.

The Kenneffick Alternative

Another intriguing thought experiment is the possibility of sending three men instead of just Luca Brasi. This could have included a seasoned veteran like Brasi to gather information and two other men to eliminate Sollozzo and Barzini. While there would still be intense consequences, the dynamic of the film might have been altered. The mystery surrounding Vito’s slip-up and the subsequent events would lose much of their tension, as the objective of killing Sollozzo and Barzini would have been achieved more straightforwardly.

The Dual Nature of Luca Brasi

Lets delve deeper into why Vito might have chosen the often clumsy and fearful Brasi over a seasoned veteran. The enigma surrounding Brasi’s nature is a pivotal point in the film. His persona as a man seemingly unkillable and a force of nature made him a standout character. Yet, his nervousness and lack of ability to execute a plan efficiently were glaring flaws.

Historically, The Godfather thrives on the contrast between Vito’s calculated approach and Brasi’s haphazard behavior. From Vito’s perspective, a flashy and unrelenting force like Brasi might appeal as a beacon and deterrent. However, his indecision and lack of subtlety would have been a significant deterrent if used in a critical infiltration mission.

The question remains: why would Vito, knowing Brasi's helplessness, still choose him for such a mission? Perhaps Vito had other purposes for Brasi, beyond just the infiltration. Brasi's character serves as a foil, providing contrast and creating dramatic tension. His deficiencies might also serve a structural purpose, allowing for the development of Michael’s character and the overarching plot of The Godfather.

Conclusion

While altering the The Godfather to send a seasoned veteran in place of the tumultuous Brasi would yield interesting results, it would also sacrifice the film's unique character dynamics and narrative arc. The film’s power lies in the contrast between the meticulous Vito and the impulsive Brasi. Any significant changes in this dynamic would fundamentally reshape the story, leading to a different film that, while intriguing, might not capture the intensity and complexity of the original masterpiece.

The legacy of The Godfather continues to be a testament to the genius of its storytelling, and any exploration of alternative scenarios serves to deepen our appreciation for the film's intricate plot and memorable characters.