Michael Corleone's Biggest Mistake in The Godfather: The Impact of Excluding Fredo

The infamous The Godfather series has long captivated audiences with its complex characters and intricate plotlines. Among the most intriguing characters is Michael Corleone, who rose from an outsider to become the new Don of the Corleone family. However, one critical decision early in his journey dramatically affected not only his own fate but also that of his own brother, Fredo. This article explores how Michael's choice to exclude Fredo from the family business was his biggest mistake in the saga, leading to a tragic outcome.

Michael's Path to the Leadership

To understand Michael's pivotal decision, we must first consider the events that led to him becoming the new Don. Michael's journey is marked by brutal choices, one of which was taking out Sollozzo and McCluskey. By eliminating these enemies, Michael transitioned from being a civilian to a hardened mafia boss. This move was both brave and fateful, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power but also planting the seeds of future conflicts.

What Should Michael Have Done?

One of Michael's critical oversights was excluding Fredo from the family business. It was a move rooted in Vito Corleone's wishes, as he was upset that Fredo had been more interested in women than in running the family casino. However, this exclusion was a significant error that could have been avoided. By including Fredo in the business and family meetings, Michael could have shown him the importance and richness of his role, thereby maintaining a family bond that was irreplaceable.

A Different Path: The Deleted Scenes

Several deleted scenes from The Godfather Part II shed light on the importance of including Fredo in the family circle. In one scene, Michael gives a young man advice, hinting at the need for practical business skills. This scene highlights Michael's vision for the future and his unspoken concerns about another candidate, Carlo. In another scene, Michael shows his contempt for Carlo's marriage and expects a substantial dowry for Francesca's wedding, indicating his keen sense of family obligations.

Michael's Biggest Regret

When Frank Pentangeli, a long-time family friend, comes to meet Michael, the moment is significant. Instead of including Fredo in the family business, Michael ignores his brother's entreaties to sit in on the meeting. Fredo's face reveals profound hurt, as he was both out of the business and out of the family's social circle. This break was not merely a professional move but a deep personal wound. As Coppola was under pressure to keep the movie under three hours, the scene was rewritten, making Pentangeli's presence more compatible with the narrative. However, the original impact was irrevocable.

The Resentment Builds

Over time, Fredo's exclusion led to growing resentment and ultimately betrayal. In another deleted scene, Fredo is seen being mocked by his wife, Dianna, for not knowing what was happening in his own family. This moment foreshadows the events to come, where Fredo clumsily reveals the family's secrets to Johnny Ola. When this happens, Michael is forced to confront a brother he trusted, who ultimately becomes a threat.

The Consequences of Exclusion

Michael's greatest mistake was not just about losing Fredo as a business partner but losing him as a brother. The estrangement bred resentment, and eventually, betrayal. Fredo's weakness and stupidity might have led him to make poor decisions, but Michael's failure to maintain family bonds and keep Fredo involved in the business left a gap that Ola was able to exploit. If Michael had shown more consideration for Fredo, the outcome might have been different.

In conclusion, Michael Corleone's exclusion of Fredo from the family business was his gravest mistake in the Godfather series. By ignoring familial ties for a business strategy, Michael set in motion events that led to years of suffering and ultimately, tragic consequences. Understanding this decision provides a deeper insight into the complexity of Michael's character and the harsh realities of the mafia world.