Curiously,The Godfatherstands apart.
Even then, no single antagonist emerges fromThe Godfatheras memorable as Joker, Goth, or Angel Eyes.
Surprising that may be, butThe Godfather’s approach to villainy only makes its triumph more impressive.
In terms of deeds committed, Sollozzo does more than enough to be consideredThe Godfather’s most prominent villain.
The next major candidate would be New York mob boss Emilio Barzini.
Having said that, Barzini, played by Richard Conte, keeps a relatively muted presence throughout the movie.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
Indeed, Vito fails to realize Barzini is his true enemy until surprisingly late inThe Godfather’s story.
Consequently, it’s difficult to consider Barzini a true movie villain in the traditional mold.
ForThe Godfather, it becomes an enhancement.
The Godfather chronicles the Italian-American Corleone crime family from 1945 to 1955. Following an assassination attempt on family patriarch Vito Corleone, his youngest son Michael emerges to orchestrate a brutal campaign of retribution, cementing his role in the family’s illicit empire.
Threat, danger, and death come from all corners - both anticipated and completely unforeseen.
Carlo Rizzi abuses Connie during their marriage, then sets up Sonny’s assassination.
Tessio betrays the Corleone family after being a longstanding ally.
Barzini is killed by Al Neri, on the orders of Michael, duringThe Godfather’s baptism scene.
The Godfathernever introduces a main villain who could be described as more of a monster than Michael himself.
The Corleone family is not overtly any more virtuous than the Barzini or Tattaglia families.
This simply isn’t true.
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