The Heartbreaking Fredo Moment in The Godfather That Resulted in Michael’s Act of Violence in Part II

The tension between Michael Corleone and his brother Fredo reaches its climax in the sequel to the iconic 1972 film The Godfather. This drama unfolds dramatically as Michael orders Fredo’s assassination, a pivotal moment that encapsulates Michael’s tragic journey. As the Corleone family flourishes under Michael’s leadership, Fredo’s betrayal—providing crucial information to Hyman Roth—sets the stage for catastrophic consequences that nearly end the lives of Michael, his wife Kay, and their children. Ultimately, when Michael identifies Fredo as the source of the betrayal, he takes the fateful step of ordering Al Neri to eliminate his own brother while fishing.

It’s important to note that Fredo did not fully grasp the implications of his betrayal. Although he likely understood he was acting against the family’s best interests, the allure of financial gain from Roth clouded his judgment. Fredo’s deception, combined with his initial act of disloyalty, seals his tragic fate. Interestingly, it can be argued that the groundwork for Fredo’s demise was laid much earlier in their relationship.

The Catalyst: Michael’s Confrontation with Moe Greene

The Seeds of Betrayal: A Prelude to Fredo’s Demise

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather looking disappointed.

After Vito’s retirement and Sonny’s death, Michael ascends to power within the Corleone family, overtaking Fredo’s previous position. At first, Fredo doesn’t seem particularly troubled by this shift in hierarchy; rather, he copes with his emotions through drinking and seeking female companionship. However, his lack of contribution to the family’s operations in Las Vegas becomes increasingly apparent.

The real source of Fredo’s discontent stems from Michael’s condescending treatment of him, notably highlighted during the tense confrontation with Moe Greene. While Fredo is trying to negotiate on Michael’s behalf, the latter abruptly undermines his efforts by daring to offer a buyout, disregarding etiquette and respect. In this volatile moment, Fredo realizes how little regard Michael has for him.

From Confrontation to Betrayal: The Ripple Effect

Avoiding Tragedy: The Missed Opportunity

Alex Rocco as Moe Greene meets Michael for the first time in The Godfather.

In essence, what infuriates Fredo the most during this confrontation is Michael’s perceived need to protect him. While Michael’s aggressive stance may seem justified to us, it degrades Fredo and leads to his vulnerability. Michael’s actions are, in part, an effort to shield Fredo from Greene’s manipulative behavior, but they only serve to alienate him further.

The Moe Greene incident is pivotal; it illuminates the rift between the brothers and sets Fredo on the path of betrayal. By publicly belittling Fredo, Michael implies a sense of dependency that eventually fuels Fredo’s desire for validation and independence from the family shadow.

A Different Approach: How Respect Might Have Changed Everything

Learning from the Past: The Case for Compassion

In The Godfather Part II, Fredo’s resentment surfaces as he lashes out, emphasizing his deep emotional wounds from being passed over for leadership. But this sense of injustice alone wouldn’t have led him to betray Michael. Initially, Fredo seemed content with his role in Las Vegas, but it’s the fallout from the Moe Greene incident that initiates his downward spiral.

Had Michael approached the situation differently, treating Fredo with the respect and recognition he craved, it is plausible that Fredo’s sense of loyalty might have prevailed. By involving Fredo more intimately in the family’s operations and acknowledging his contributions, Michael could have mitigated the enmity brewing within his brother.

If Michael had acted with greater wisdom, he could have played the diplomatic game with Greene, all while planning a covert strategy to eliminate Greene later. This approach might have preserved not only their family dynamics but also solidified Fredo’s standing in the family hierarchy. The Godfather Part II makes it clear that Fredo’s motivations stem from a desire for equality, not ambition to usurp his brother.

The Tragic Choice: Family Loyalty vs. Business Imperative

A Risky Gamble: Balancing Family and Power

Ultimately, Michael’s decision to prioritize the Corleone family’s interests over familial bonds plays a critical role in Fredo’s tragic end. He perceives any show of leniency towards Fredo as a potential risk to his power and reputation. Consequently, Michael minimizes Fredo’s role, fully aware that appointing him to a prominent position could be seen as a weakness.

This ruthless approach achieves a temporary advantage for the Corleone empire but comes at a high personal cost. While Michael successfully consolidates power, he risks the very relationships that should have been his foundation. The calculated detachment that defined Michael’s rise ultimately serves as the groundwork for his emotional and psychological downfall.

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