Vito Corleone

The Godfather. One of the most intriguing, enthralling characters in all of cinema history. What is it we find so beguiling about this Sicilian Don?

First of all, its because the story of the Godfather puts us all into the front seat of a world that were are all unsure of. It is a very guarded, secretive world. It is a world in which the darkest aspect of society thrives. Though this particular story is about the Sicilian mafia, at its root, it is a story of all organised crime. It lays waste to the mistaken notion that all criminals are thoughtless animals. Like anything else, any enterprise involving money has the potential, with forethought and energy, to thrive. That is exactly what the Godfather, and in particular Vito Corleone, as the figurehead conveys. Oppurtunity, determination and intelligence breeds success. Success brings money. Money and intelligence: Class.

The mannerisms and personality of Vito Corleone show the cool logic with which one can order violence against another human being. When emotion is removed from violence and murder, any character can appear regal (as long as the violence seems justified.