Original artwork, not a still
It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.
— The Godfather • 1972
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the moment the family's soft son learns the family's logic and starts using it. Sonny has just told him that business is never personal; Michael turns that rule into permission to commit murder, and the film never lets him step back out. Quoted ever since, with or without irony, as the all-purpose excuse for a ruthless decision that has nothing to do with you.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The GodfatherShow the scene
In the days after the attempt on Don Vito Corleone's life, the family argues over how to deal with the drug dealer Sollozzo and his crooked police captain, McCluskey. Michael, the youngest son, who has kept out of the family business, volunteers to kill them both at a sit-down. Sonny laughs, kisses his head and lectures him that this is business and he is taking it personally. Michael hands the lecture straight back to him. Clemenza then gives him an untraceable revolver, and the restaurant meeting ends with both men dead.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: The Godfatherscene transcript around Michael's 'Where does it say that you can't kill a cop?'Reference checked
- Wikipedia: The GodfatherPlot summaryReference checked
Context reviewed
