What If Vito Corleone Took Out Sollozzo Earlier in The Godfather?

The iconic 1972 film The Godfather has captivated audiences for decades with its complex characters and intricate plotlines. A significant moment in the movie revolves around Vito Corleone's decision to send his enforcer, Luca Brasi, to investigate Sollozzo and eventually eliminate him. But what if Vito had made the decision to kill Sollozzo earlier in the film before his plans could unfold?

The Strategic Decision

Vito Corleone was a shrewd and cautious leader, and his decision to send Luca to investigate Sollozzo was based on a sound strategic approach. Sollozzo came to the Corleone household with a business proposal, which was rejected. It's important to note that Sollozzo made no direct threats to Vito or the family, but he had the potential to be a major player in the narrative, especially in the event he pursued his plan without challenges.

The novel by Mario Puzo provides additional insight. According to the text, Luca was invited to meet Sollozzo at the Tataligia club. Luca, visibly cynical, anticipated that Sollozzo might need to be eliminated and seemed eager to do so as a gift to the Don. This allowed Luca to gather crucial information about Sollozzo's actions and intentions.

Had Vito ordered Luca to eliminate Sollozzo early on, it would have disrupted the narrative's progression. Sollozzo's death would have eliminated a potential threat, but it also would have altered the relationships and dynamics between the characters.

Implications of an Early Killing

If Vito had taken out Sollozzo before the plans could unfold, the following scenario could have occurred:

Elimination of a Threat: Sollozzo was indeed a potential threat, but he had not made any explicit threats to Vito on that particular day. Removing him earlier would have removed a diplomatic complication but also undermined the trust and alliances established with other characters. Shift in Alliances: Sollozzo was seen as a threat, but his presence also served to solidify the loyalty of characters like Luca. Had he been killed early, the reasons for Luca's loyalty to the Corleone family might have become less apparent, complicating his character development and the subsequent plot points. Disruption of Plans: Vito and the family were still in the process of gathering intelligence and planning moves against Sollozzo. Eliminating him without a proper investigation might have disrupted their plans to expose the corrupt business practices of the Tattaglia family and other potential allies.

The Strategic Importance of Investigation

Vito's decision to send Luca to investigate Sollozzo was critical. The novel highlights the significance of this move, stating that everyone in New York despised Chicago mobsters, calling them 'mad dog killers.' It also mentions that Don Vito had an encounter with Al Capone and advised him to stay away from New York, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation.

Investigating Sollozzo was not just about eliminating a threat but also about gathering the necessary intelligence to take down the entire Tattaglia family. If Vito had killed Sollozzo without this information, the family would not have been able to build a case against the Tattaglia family's corrupt activities. This could have led to a disastrous outcome for the Corleone family in their quest for power and respect in the criminal underworld.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, while eliminating Sollozzo earlier might have seemed like a logical and strategic move, it would have altered the narrative in significant ways. The strategic importance of gathering intelligence and developing a solid case against Sollozzo—and the Tattaglia family—cannot be understated. The decision to send Luca on the mission was well thought out and crucial to the eventual triumph of the Corleone family, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and prudence in the fast-paced world of organized crime.