Characterization of Michael Corleone

Coppola seems to have utilized names to characterize important characters in The Godfather. It may seem as if Michael takes his father's place as a sort of God; however, Michael's name holds the meaning "Who is like God?". This is interesting because of the question mark at the end of this phrase. Michael's name doesn't mean he is like God, but is instead a rhetorical question posed implying nobody is like God.

Throughout the parts of the film in which Vito Corleone still holds power as the Don, Coppola utilizes various filmic devices and symbols to imply Vito is sort of like a God. In the first scenes featring Bonasera, the lighting around Vito's head form a sort of halo, implying he is a holy being. The settings and camera angles also make the viewer think Bonasera is in a courtroom, and Vito is the judge. In addition, Vito is the Godfather. When he is shot by Sollozzo's men, he is shot five times, and still alive -- just as Jesus suffered five wounds on the cross and lived when he was supposed to die.

It is interesting that Michael takes control, and Coppola does not use many techniques to characterize Michael as a holy being. Instead, his name implies that no one is like God. Could this signify an important difference between Michael and his father Vito? I believe Coppola has chosen the name Michael on purpose -- both because of it's meaning and also because in the beginning of the movie, Michael's name set him apart from the rest of his family -- it was very American when juxtaposed to Vito, Fredo, or Sonny. Coppola must have intended for Michael's name to hold a certain meaning.