Alongside Citizen Kane, The Godfather is considered the absolute pinnacle of cinema; an untouchable milestone of which everything that comes after is compared to. It’s an undeniable classic that deserves its accolades, and I believe the true power of the film is in its ability to immerse the viewer in a whole new world unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Not a high concept fantasy or sci-fi world, but one of mobsters and mafiosos, of crime and corruption, drenched in gritty, unflinching realism. The filmmakers use this hidden underworld as this intangible place for its audience to become accustomed to and consumed by as the movie progresses. The idea of rooting for these criminals is certainly taboo, but the film immerses you so well into this situation of which there are no right answers. Nearly every character has their hands dirty, yet we find ourselves taking sides amongst the factions. In our minds, the Corleones are the ones we want to see prosper, not because they have some sort of moral high ground, but because that’s who we follow as our protagonists. And even after each hit or hostile takeover the family commits, we as an audience excuse it because we want to see them “win” in this never ending battle.

And in that way, Michael Corleone acts as an audience surrogate. He starts the film as an outsider of this world, much like us. He emphasizes that his criminal family does not define him, and that he plans to forge his own path. But as the film goes on, and the crimes and body count continue to climb, Michael can’t help but find himself invested in the proceedings. He wants his family to succeed, and when something bad happens to them, he can’t help but throw himself into the conflict. And once he dips his toes into the waters, there’s nothing that will ever get him out. By the time the film ends, both Michael and the audience are fully used to all the criminal misdeeds of the Corleones, and in one way or another, have fully embraced them.