The Godfather: The Complex Character of Moe Green and Fredo Corleone

In the classic film The Godfather, the characters of Moe Green and Fredo Corleone play crucial roles in the complex world of organized crime. However, what if the events surrounding these characters took a significantly different turn? Specifically, what if Fredo Corleone, after getting straightened out, had taken a violent course of action against Moe Green, potentially shooting or threatening him with a gun?

Moe Green: Beyond the Character Stereotype

Moe Green is often portrayed as a minor character in The Godfather, but his character is based on a real historical figure - Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. Siegel was not a nobody; he was a key figure in the Jewish mob and was involved in the murder of Salvatore Maranzano, a significant crime boss. Moe’s character in the film actually reflects this historical context, hinting at his complex and vicious nature.

The film depicts Moe as an associate with a strong, perhaps even intimidating, presence. However, the movie doesn't explicitly detail how Moe became a made man. In reality, individuals like Bugsy Siegel became "made men" through involvement in significant criminal activities and often through shows of allegiance and loyalty to the mob bosses. While the movie doesn't go into specific details, it's reasonable to assume that Moe’s journey to becoming a made man involved more than just his macho demeanor. Perhaps he had to kill someone or perform a particularly dangerous task to cement his position.

Michael Corleone’s Realization of Moe’s Status

Michael, the protagonist of the film, acknowledges Moe's status and respectability when he says: “He made his bones a long time before you did, Michael… he knew more about the city than you think.” This line highlights Moe’s earlier involvement in mob activities and his standing within the organization. Michael’s understanding of Moe’s credentials and past actions underscores the significance of Moe to the organization. In reality, if Fredo had attempted to confront or threaten Moe, it might have triggered a significant backlash from the other family heads and Moe's associates, potentially leading to conflict.

The Reality of Confrontation

Given Fredo’s character in both the book and the film, it seems unlikely that he would ever have taken such a violent approach. Fredo, despite being Vito Corleone’s son, lacked the training and confidence that a made man like Moe possessed. In the film, Fredo’s lack of experience and training is evident when he fumbles with the gun during the family meeting. His inability to handle the situation appropriately reflects his inexperience and the unwritten code in the mob world.

Furthermore, even if Fredo had somehow acquired the confidence to confront Moe, the film and the source novel provide a more nuanced portrayal of Moe’s character. While Moe is depicted as a tough and unafraid mobster, he would not have been intimidated by Fredo’s actions. As an associate who had already made his bones, Moe would have little hesitation in handling Fredo, especially in the presence of other influential figures like Tom. The film suggests that Moe intended to negotiate with the other family heads and was not someone to be easily intimidated.

Conclusion: The Dynamics of the Mob World

The world of organized crime portrayed in The Godfather is one where each character has a specific role and background. Moe Green’s character is based on historical figures who shaped the criminal landscape in early 20th century America. Fredo Corleone, while representing the fragility and instability of the Corleone family, is not suited or trained to take on the confrontations required to deal with a made man like Moe Green. The film and the source novel paint a picture of a deeply complex and dangerous world where their actions have significant ramifications.