Question about The Godfather and Vito's relationship with Luka Brasi.

Submitted by equitable_emu t3_zzy89w in movies

When Tom tells Vito that Luka wants to see him, Vito asks if it's necessary, kind of giving the impression that he doesn't really like him.

Ignoring Vito calling Brasi his oldest and dearest friend, which could be just for show, after Vito is shot, there's mention that even if they could stop Sonny from trying to get revenge, there'd be no stopping Brasi, implying that Brasi has high loyalty to Vito and truly cares about him. But Vito also sent Brasi to spy on Tattaglia telling him to give the impression that he was unhappy with the Corleone family, which no one would believe if everyone thought he was so loyal, although Tattaglia clearly didn't believe it.

So, did Vito actually like Luka?

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Comments

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Maleficent_Peak2700 t1_j2ea766 wrote

According to the book, he made Vito nervous and was considered a loose canon (referred to as “ harder to control than dynamite “ in the book)

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chimpyjnuts t1_j2eh11x wrote

The book also details some of the terrible things he did, and his violent temper. A brutal blunt instrument that had it's uses, but not for polite crowds. Like a fancy wedding!

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JustAMan1234567 t1_j2elkrt wrote

He straight up forces a midwife to chuck a newborn baby into a furnace.

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equitable_emu OP t1_j2ed16c wrote

If he was a loose canon, does that imply that Luka didn't have any loyalty to Vito?

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thePHTucker t1_j2f1iwm wrote

He was fiercely loyal. Like, "I'm gonna rip this guys arms off because I felt like he slighted my Don." He was barely controllable. He was basically a caged dog that, when let loose, might bite his owner because he was just so aggressive. The Don feared and respected him for this, but at the end of the day, he was a useful tool because of his barely checked aggression. If he turned him in the right direction, that force would be applied in a way that was beneficial to the Don. He wasn't someone you'd want to be associated with in polite society. The Don didn't want him at the wedding just like you wouldn't want a feral farm cat at your house around your kids. The cat is great at catching varmints and keeping them away, but not so good that they wouldn't shit on your furniture or attack you if you let them inside.

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equitable_emu OP t1_j2f6j87 wrote

> The Don didn't want him at the wedding just like you wouldn't want a feral farm cat at your house around your kids.

But he was invited to the wedding, it was just the meeting with him where he asked if it was necessary.

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thePHTucker t1_j2fgzyv wrote

He was invited to the wedding, but Brasi knew that he wasn't necessarily welcome for the ceremony. That's why he was practicing his speech off in the corner. He was trying to show his gratitude to the Don and his family while personally giving the gift directly to the Don. He knew that he wasn't part of the family, but he was a part of "la familigia." Also why the Tattaglia's sent him to the fishes. They knew (or suspected) his ultimate loyalty lied with the Don. They had a perfect opportunity to get him out of the way. The fact that Brasi was just as terrified of the Don as the Don was of him is the perfect nuance.

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GoGoCrumbly t1_j2ehtiw wrote

I think it suggests that while he was loyal, he was also impulsive and lacked self-control. One of those rage-guys who goes off and then you’ve got new issues to deal with.

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series_hybrid t1_j2eeql3 wrote

Vito got him out of Italian prison in order to use him as muscle. There was a veneer of friendship that was useful in motivating Brasi, but...the Don never completely trusted Brasi or loved him.

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underwoodsing t1_j2f7ikc wrote

All these Godfather posts make me realize I should read the books.

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JMPesce t1_j2fcx0p wrote

Book*

I don't recommend anything outside of The Godfather. They are quite amateurish and it feels like a copycat rather than someone continuing the story. The Sicilian technically has Godfather characters in it, but play it safe and just read the original.

Just like any of the Dragon Tattoo books outside of the original 3.

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jujubats10 t1_j2f2nmy wrote

I just took it as Vito was stressed enough already with the wedding and meeting so many people. He didn’t want to take time for an unnecessary meeting

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southernliberal t1_j2e9z5i wrote

Like is probably the wrong word. Feared is probably closer.

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asburymike t1_j2eao4d wrote

Def boss/employee relationship

No bkgrd on prev rel, a la Clemenza Tessio n Genco

To me, Luca going to the Tattaglias is unbelievable

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