10 Exact Moments Fans Turned On Their Favourite Movie Characters
7. Michael Corleone - Having His Brother Killed
To rinse the flavour of the previous movie from our mental palate, let's take a look at The Godfather Part II - a shortlist contender for the greatest movie of all time, and a classic example of how to intentionally turn the audience against a character.
Michael Corleone's descent into villainy is one of cinema's greatest sagas, and it culminates in a shocking moment of fratricide that removes the last shred of moral ambiguity from the character. Prior to this even the most violent of Michael's actions were justified under the pretence of protecting his family, be it avenging a brother's death or gunning down competing Dons to ensure the Corleones' safety. However, when Michael is betrayed by his elder brother Fredo in the second movie his last embers of decency are snuffed out by his desire to exact vengeance.
Despite the younger Corleone appearing to forgive his erring brother at their mother's funeral, one of Michael's earlier directives - that no harm is to befall Fredo while their mother is alive - foreshadows the movie's ending. After the funeral, Michael has Fredo assassinated. Watching Michael contemplate the enormity of his decision provides one of cinema's greatest closing shots, and proves a fitting ending for the greatest duology in cinematic history.
(The Godfather Part III ? Nope, never heard of it...)