The Complex Relationship Between Don Corleone and Don Tattaglia Before 'The Godfather' and the Five Families War

Before the events of both The Godfather and the later conflict known as the Five Families War, the relationship between Don Corleone (Don Vito) and Don Tattaglia (Don Emilio Barzini) was far from straightforward. Their interactions were characterized by a blend of mutual respect and underlying tension. This unique dynamic set the stage for the struggles that would unfold in the The Godfather saga.

Respect Among Peers

Both Don Corleone and Don Tattaglia were powerful figures in New York's underworld, and they recognized each other's capabilities and influence. It is important to understand the context of their relationship. A detailed analysis reveals that both Don Vito and Don Barzini held each other in high regard, despite their differences in style and approach.

Don Corleone: Wisdom and Negotiation Skills

Don Vito Corleone was known for his profound wisdom and exceptional negotiation skills. His approach to dealing with the criminal underworld was more subtle and focused on maintaining a low profile. Through favors and loyalty, he built a strong network of political alliances, ensuring a steady flow of power and control. His reputation for these qualities was firmly established long before the fateful events of the Five Families War.

Don Tattaglia: Ambition and Strategic Mind

On the other hand, Don Emilio Barzini was recognized for his ambitious and strategic mindset. He sought to expand his power and dominate the criminal landscape. His approach was more aggressive and less subtle, often involving direct confrontation and power plays. While Don Vito's methods were more nuanced, Barzini chose a forthright and sometimes ruthless path to achieve his goals.

Rivalry and Tensions

Despite the mutual respect, there was an underlying tension between the Corleone and Tattaglia families. This tension was partly fueled by differing philosophies on how to operate within the criminal underworld. Don Vito's preference for tradition and a focus on family-oriented control stood in contrast to Barzini's modern, expansionist approach.

Barzini's ambition and Barzini's campaign to overthrow Corleone's influence created a climactic rivalry. This rivalry reached its peak during the Five Families War, a period of intense conflict and betrayal. The war marked a turning point in their relationship, shifting from respectful coexistence to full-scale confrontation.

Political Alliances and Power Struggles

Both Don Corleone and Don Tattaglia operated within a complex network of political alliances. However, they approached these alliances and interactions with law enforcement and legitimate businesses differently. While Don Corleone prioritized a low-profile approach and building a loyal network, Don Tattaglia adopted a more aggressive stance, prioritizing power and control.

The Five Families War and Beyond

The culmination of these long-standing tensions was the Five Families War. This conflict brought the latent hostility between the Corleone and Tattaglia families into the open. Barzini and the other families sought to undermine Don Corleone's power, leading to violent confrontations and betrayals. The war not only tested the limits of the two families' traditional power dynamics but also reshaped the landscape of organized crime in New York.

Personal Misgivings

While the public relationship between Don Corleone and Don Tattaglia may have exhibited outward respect, private interactions revealed a different story. Don Vito's personal feelings towards Don Tattaglia were far from respectful. According to historical accounts, Don Vito despised Tattaglia's business practices, especially his involvement in the notorious prostitution racket. This private contempt was particularly evident in his disdain for his own son, Sonny, for his womanizing ways.

After a significant meeting, Don Vito expressed his disdain for Tattaglia to Tom. '"Tattaglia is a pimp. He couldn’t have outfought Santino,"' Don Vito said, clearly implying his long-standing contempt for Tattaglia. This assertion suggests that his contempt may have been present even before the gang war started, and it highlights the personal and professional tensions that characterized their relationship.

Furthermore, the respect that other families held for Don Corleone was often absent in the case of Don Tattaglia. He lost significant respect when it became clear that he had failed to eliminate Don Vito, a move that could have saved the ongoing conflict. Tattaglia was also criticized for being a complainer who constantly complained about the costs associated with his operations, further diminishing his reputation in the eyes of his peers.

Conclusion

The relationship between Don Corleone and Don Tattaglia was complex and multifaceted. While outward respect masked underlying tensions and personal contempt, the eventual clash during the Five Families War revealed the true nature of their conflict. Their interactions set the stage for the enduring legacy of the The Godfather saga, illustrating the complexities of power, ambition, and respect in the criminal underworld of the 1940s and 1950s.