Godfather vs. Goodfellas Although Godfather and Goodfellas are two different films, there are a majority of similar themes that are found in both films. A prevalent theme is the downfall of a great character. By great character, I mean a person of great status and importance. The way the two films depict the downfall of a great character is very different. While The Godfather offers a classier take on Michael's great downfall, Goodfellas shows the horrible underlying secrets of the Italian mobsters and how one man's life falls into the hands of the mafia's cruelty. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay At the beginning of The Godfather, Michael had returned from the war and had no intention of being part of his father's business. Michael was the “good” guy of the moment. As situations and problems began to arise within the family business, Michael had no choice but to become involved within the family business to protect his father. At first, Michael seemed like a good guy because he stood up to the people who were trying to kill his father and destroy his family. As the film progressed, he became exactly what his father never wanted him to be, a "bad guy". You can tell that Michael was really a good person because his father never wanted to have the influence of Italian gangsters on him. When the father found out, you could tell how torn he was to learn that his only, pure son had now stepped into a world where he would never be safe again. The turning point for Michael came when he shot the two people who posed a big threat to his family. When the bullets left his gun, his safety and innocence were taken with them. What was once known as the good and innocent Michael is gone forever. When Michael took on Godfather status, he would forever be a dangerous, powerful, and dishonest man. In Goodfellas, Henry Hill always dreamed of becoming an Italian gangster. He has always been attracted to the wealth and power obtained by gangsters. Eventually, he rose to high status within the mafia and became very successful in the industry. Before he knew it, he was living a big, carefree life. Henry had become so powerful that all he had to do was walk into a place and he would get the best service possible. However, greed got the better of Henry. He wanted even more than he had, so he got involved in stealing and selling drugs. Henry was warned by other members of the mafia not to get involved with drugs, as it does more harm than good. Nonetheless, Henry continued his drug scandal and got himself into big trouble. Between being arrested and imprisoned for years and having the police follow and crack down on everyone involved in the business, his life fell apart. He could no longer live the rich and luxurious life he once loved; instead, he had to start all over again as a "normal" civilian. What was once the Great Henry is no longer today, what he calls, a person. The Godfather shows the downfall of not one great character, but two. The original godfather himself loses high status within the mafia. The way he is dressed towards the end shows that class and strength no longer exist. There is almost a feeling of abandonment in the atmosphere. Being a godfather is no longer as important to him as it used to be. In Goodfellas, the downfall of many characters is also present in the film. Three of the main leaders of the.