During the 1970’s, a new trend in mainstream filmmaking rolled through the United States, one that was very similar to European New Wave cinema. In time, this trend became known as New Hollywood or American New Wave cinema. This idea came to prominence after a generation of young film makers decided to make movies more theatrically complex, experimental, and anti-establishment. New Hollywood cinema not only impacted the way mainstream film producers were creating and advertising movies but led to the creation of many of the genres and film making techniques we have come to appreciate today. While many great ideas came from this movement, one of the most important was the “anti-hero”.  The anti-hero often plays the protagonist of the film while at the same time lacking many of the traditional elements one may normally associated a hero with. Anti-hero’s often do good not of the kindness of their hearts, but to help themselves or those they consider important. So, in the movie The Godfather is Michael Corleone an anti-hero? Here is a link to an article I found that discusses many ideas found in the film and provides some unique individual story appreciations. The Godfather Analysis

Well yes, in my opinion Michael Corleone serves as this stories anti-hero due to his actions and many different aspects of his personality. Right from the start of this film, Michael is portrayed as the only son who wishes to escape the grasp of his families business, which we all know is illegal. In an effort to do so he goes to college before enlisting in the military after the start of WW2.  One of the best examples of Michael’s selflessness is displayed here, despite having been actively enrolled in school which exempts him from the draft, he joins the military in an effort to help his country and while overseas earns a medal for his courage and actions. However, in the face of all of this action he is eventually injured and honorably discharged before returning to his hometown. Undenounced to Michael, Don Vito, his father and head of his families mafia, secretly pulled strings to allow Michael to return home.

Shortly following Michael Corleone’s return to the United States, tragedy strikes the family after the attempted assassination of Don Vito. This situation convinces Michael to drop out of college and return home. Ultimately, this would be the decision that leads Michael down his path of unrighteousness and ultimately to his role as head of the Corleone mafia family. Despite the lavish lifestyle Michael likely would have lived if he would have stayed in school and out of the family business, he gets involved in their illegal and dangerous affairs to protect the people he loves. For this reason, Michael can ultimately be seen as the anti-hero in this film.

No matter how one views Michael Corleone, The Godfather will forever go down in history as one the greatest films to come from the New Hollywood cinema. Attached below to provide additional information about the fandom surrounding the film is a movie review article released shortly after the movie in 1972.  The Godfather Movie Review 1972