7. “…when one ascends to a principality by some criminal and nefarious path…” “…in hereditary states accustomed to the bloodline of their prince the difficulties in maintaining them are much less…”
10. “…a minister that discerns what others understand…is excellent” “…choosing wise men in his state; and only to these should he give freedom to speak the truth to him…”
13. “…he should appear all faith…religion. And nothing is more important than to appear to have this…” “…he is often under a necessity…of acting against faith…against religion.”
16. “…and to possess them securely it is enough to have eliminated the prince(s) whose dominions they were.” “…review all the offenses necessary… and to do them all at a stroke.”
Meet Michael Francis Corleone, youngest son of Vito Corleone and eventual heir to his empire. Ivy League educated, a Marine Captain and war hero, Michael never wanted to be a part of the family business but some years later would find himself at the pinnacle of a multi-million dollar criminal organization. So how did he accomplish this? How did he survive and succeed in a brutal and greedy underworld? To understand we have to look to another famous Italian: Niccolo Machiavelli. Italy’s history is riddled with political strife and in studying and understanding the nature of these events, and the nature of man himself, Machiavelli identified the techniques and tactics of a successful leader, and they are no less relevant today. The Godfathers themselves, Vito, Michael, and Vincent, are the seminal Princes of which Machiavelli speaks.
So in order to study this work through the framework of political theory, we must begin where Machiavelli begins, and that is in identifying the principality, and to discover that a crime family is no different than the warring factions of ancient Italy. The author even devotes an entire chapter to principalities acquired through crimes, noting that though they can be powerful, they lack the capacity for glory if religion and morality are not observed.
The New York based crime-family, the Corleone “principality” is also a hereditary one, which the author notes can be more easily maintained, But that’s not to say there won’t be bloodshed, as we will see, violence is part and parcel of the Mafia. This is the framework in order to analyze the film through Machiavellian eyes: that they are a principality and that they are run just like any other political organization as quoted in this clip where Michael explains to his future wife Kay the lack of differentiation between the two:
The criminal “principality” then also requires their own advisors, of which Machiavelli spells out what traits should be desired in them. Tom Hagen, the half german, half irish adopted son and lawyer held one of the most important positions in the family, Consigliore.
The author notes the different types of advisory wisdom and how to allow your advisors to speak freely with the prince without diminishing the princes power. The prince should also avoid flatterers and allow his closest advisors to speak truthfully with him only in the matters of which they are advising. As we will see in the following clip, the Consigliore is able to think as those around him think and is noted even by enemies of the family for his wisdom.
So we’ve got our principality, and we have surrounded ourselves with good advisors, let’s look at some of the traits of a prince and how he avoids hate in the hearts of his subjects. Machiavelli says that religion is the most important and effective way to showcase his “morality” because his position constantly requires he act immorally.
In the following clip from Godfather 3, Michael Corleone has donated $100M to the Catholic Church, in the accolades and business opportunities it opens, it could be said it was money well spent. Michael takes Machiavelli’s advice to heart.
Machiavelli also notes the ways in which new lands are conquered and the trilogy has more than enough bloodshed and drama to support the fact that there is a constant ebb and flow of power, violence and control.
In the culmination of the first Godfather, Michael Corleone settles all family business and essentially takes over the city. Consider these two quotes, that it is enough to take out the heads of states, but that you must do it in one swift stroke.
So we’ve covered several areas of overlap between these works, but we’re left with a question of whether or not we agree or disagree with the words of Machiavelli let alone the actions of the Corleones.
In the final scene of the trilogy, elderly and alone, the Godfather reminisces of the women he’s loved, his daughter, his wives, dancing with them in his happiest moments. Perhaps his father was right, that family is the most important thing, that a man who doesn’t spend time with this family isn’t a real man. Sure he had lead a successful life, but at what cost. Let’s conclude with one final thought, that although Machiavellian methods have results, they most certainly also have consequences. They are a guidebook for politics, not life. As Michael falls from his chair and dies, it drives a point home: that when the ends justify the means, be sure you’re prepared for everything those ends entails. Thank you.
