The Mystery Behind the Assassination Attempt in The Godfather and the Role of Fredo

While many viewers are familiar with the plotlines and characterizations in the iconic film The Godfather, some of the details surrounding the critical events remain intriguing, especially regarding the assassination attempt on Michael Corleone’s house and the subsequent killings of the hired gunmen.

The film leaves a lot unsaid, particularly about the involvement of Fredo, Michael's youngest brother. A sequence in the movie is ambiguous regarding who killed the two hitmen who tried to assassinate Michael. In The Godfather, Michael questions Fredo about who dispatched the killers, and Fredo denies the involvement, saying that they didn’t kill the assassins. However, the novel, authored by Mario Puzo, reveals a quite different narrative.

Who Was Behind the Hitmen's Death?

In the original The Godfather novel, it is explicitly mentioned that Fredo shot the hitmen, though he had initially believed he was helping them escape. This twist is arguably more consistent with Fredo's portrayal in the book, where he is depicted as a practical and pragmatic character, capable of cold-blooded actions if necessary.

According to Mario Puzo, Fredo's actions are driven by his desire for survival and the need to prove his loyalty to his family in the face of betrayal. This adds a layer of complexity to his character, which differs significantly from his portrayal in the film. The film’s director, Francis Ford Coppola, aimed to present Fredo as more sympathetic and innocent, which aligns with the film's overall narrative and audience reception goals.

Rocco Lampone: Organizer of the Hitmen and Their Demise

The hitmen’s killing was the work of Rocco Lampone, who organized the assassination attempt. However, after the attempt failed, Lampone personally killed the hitmen to cover his tracks and ensure that the true perpetrators would not be identified by Michael or his top enforcers. This detail is never explicitly stated in the film but is crucial to understanding the sequence of events.

Lampone's actions were part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Hyman Roth and the Rosato brothers. Their role is further complicated as both had financial and personal motives to eliminate Michael but, through Lampone, they took steps to cover their involvement in the assassination attempt.

Michael, upon finding out about the failed assassination plot, quickly understands that both Fredo and Roth had a hand in it. The film, with its focus on dramatic tension and character development, doesn't delve deeply into the nuances of these relationships and motivations.

Implications and Consequences

The ambiguity surrounding Fredo’s role in the film is a deliberate choice by Francis Ford Coppola. It serves to complicate Michael and Fredo’s relationship, potentially revealing a deeper layer of betrayal and guilt. Meanwhile, the novel’s clarity about Fredo’s actions paints a different picture, emphasizing his pragmatic and calculating nature, even in the face of familial bonds.

It is worth noting that the film often omits or truncates elements of Mario Puzo's novel to streamline the narrative and focus on specific plot points that align with the film's intended plot arc. Nonetheless, understanding these details can enrich one’s appreciation of the complex interplay of characters and their motivations in the larger tapestry of The Godfather.

Conclusion

The true sequence of events during the assassination attempt on Michael Corleone’s family is a fascinating aspect of The Godfather. While the film leaves some questions unanswered, the original novel offers a more complete and nuanced picture of Fredo’s role. By exploring these hidden aspects of the story, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate character dynamics and the breadth of the narrative presented in both the book and the film.