Originally posted by scarfacetm:
...what i notice is people doubting fredo did it because of the fact he was "innocent and sweet"...just because you SEE him that way doesnt always mean hes that way and as for saying he didnt know it was gonna be a hit...IMO thats just his way of coverin his ass
I might agree with that except for the much earlier scene when he gets the nightime phone call from Ola in which he is visibly upset with what has taken place. He realized and tells Ola that he was lied to; this further indicates that he had no idea a hit was to take place.
Originally posted by scarfacetm:
...as michael saidi n the first film "you think that would fool a corleone" ...
As we see in just about every scene he's in in BOTH Godfather films, Fredo is not 'a Corleone' in terms of the Family Business sense that any of his brother's (including Tom) are. He is easily duped not only by Ola/Roth in Part II...but also in The Godfather we see how trusting & gullible he is not only when Paulie calls in sick, but later in Vegas when he tries to side with his 'pal', Moe Green.
Also...Vito's brief statement that "Fredo was...Fredo was..." in his last conversation with Michael tells all that's needed about Fredo's abilities.
Even in their 'banana daquiri' conversation Fredo admits to Michael that their mama teased him about not being her son, being raised by gypsies. All over the place, time & time again we are given hints that Fredo is just a misfit within the Corleone Family. So Michael's statement that "you think that would fool a corleone" just doesn't justify the (incorrect) theory that Fredo knew and aided in any assasination plot.
Originally posted by scarfacetm:
...remember that fredo did get pissed at michael in the first one for the casino deal and michael told him not to take sides against the family again
True, he got 'pissed' at Michael and was quickly put in his place first by Tom who reminded him that The Don was semi-retired and it was now Michael who was running the family...and then Michael who warned him not to take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever. Also, at this stage many (including Fredo) were vastly underestimating Michael's role as Head of the Family.
Originally posted by scarfacetm:
...i say fredo knew what he was doing it was his way of getting back at michael but a failed hit and the obvious person will always try to cover their ass
It is no newsflash that Fredo worked with Ola & Roth out of years of frustration and jealousy toward Michael - he lets all that out in the boathouse scene! But not to the degree that he would knowingly aid in a plot to kill his brother. I just don't see him capable of going that far (and the call with Ola proves it).
Best,
Apple
