Vito Corleone likes to keep his cards close to his chest in The Godfather has a legendary cast, Marlon Brando manages to make Vito Corleone stand out. The head of the family has a languid, deliberate manner of speech that makes him an imposing presence in any situation. His true feelings and intentions are often hard to pin down, especially since his eyes are often obscured by shadow, but he still drops a few important hints which reveal his deeper feelings.

Although Marlon Brando doesn't have much screen time in The Godfather, he still gets more than his fair share of iconic quotes and moments. This highlights the power that Vito holds over everyone else. He's one of the most vital characters in The Godfather trilogy, even after his death, since his legacy of protecting his family is often contrasted with Michael's reign as Don. It's clear that Vito is a dedicated family man, especially after the flashbacks in The Godfather Part II, but he doesn't go for big outward displays of emotion.

The Godfather's Wedding Photo Scene Confirms Don Corleone's Favorite Son

Vito Refuses To Take A Family Photo Without Michael

The famous opening sequence of The Godfather takes place at Connie's wedding. Francis Ford Coppola created a naturalistic atmosphere with this scene, often urging actors to improvise conversations in character, as the camera flits around from one vignette to another. One important moment comes when the Corleone family line up for a family photo. Vito has his wife, Connie, Sonny, Fredo and Tom by his side, but he flatly states "We're not taking the picture without Michael." The wording seems important here, since he mentions Michael by name, rather than suggesting that he needs everyone together.

After his assassination attempt, Vito discusses business with Michael, but he takes a moment to say "I never wanted this for you."

While it may seem inconsequential at first, Vito never puts a word out of place, so his decision to walk away from a family portrait without Michael speaks volumes. Another revealing quote about his relationship with Michael comes much later. After his assassination attempt, Vito discusses business with Michael, but he takes a moment to say "I never wanted this for you." It's not that Vito thinks Michael is incapable or that he might put the family in danger. It's a much simpler and more emotionally charged statement than that. Vito has had to suffer incredible hardships in his line of work, and he wants Michael to be free from this burden.

Why Michael Was Don Corleone's Favorite Son

Vito Saw Elements Of Himself In Michael

It makes sense that Michael would be Vito's favorite son, since he's the one who shows that he has what it takes to run the business. Perhaps Vito saw this even when Michael was adamant that he would stay out of things. Of course, Michael goes on to handle things much differently to the way that his father would, but they both have an intense dedication and ruthlessness that helps them rise to the top. Michael shows that Vito's faith in him is justified when he kills McCluskey and Sollozzo, and when he stands guard over his father at the hospital.

Tom Hagen is always treated as something of an outsider in the family, but this still leaves Sonny and Fredo. Vito may prefer Michael since he strikes the right balance between the two extremes that his brothers represent. Sonny is prone to ionate fits of rage which cloud his judgment, while Fredo is too weak and disloyal. Michael isn't weighed down by Sonny's unpredictable id or Fredo's nervous superego, so he's able to both think about what's right and act on this impulse. This reflects Vito's intelligent manner of doing business.

The fact that Vito was clearly so fond of Michael makes his tragic downfall even more heartbreaking. Despite Vito's high hopes for Michael, he is dragged into the family business. Vito probably respected Michael's decision to the military and build a life for himself away from the family, but he ultimately decides to return when he sees that his brothers aren't up to the task of taking over. The Godfather often highlights the similarities between Michael and Vito, but it's their differences which start to tear the family apart after Vito's death.