Why Fredo Had To Die in ‘The Godfather Part II’?
With that in mind, Fredo’s death has to be justified, and truthfully, whether it is remaining unclear. Earlier in The Godfather Part II, an assassination attempt was made on Michael’s life in his home. Michael comes to suspect Hyman Roth is behind the attempt, but with the Corleone estate being fortress-like and heavily guarded, it is clear that betrayal had occurred by someone close to him. In an “introduction” between Fredo and Johnny Ola by Michael, Ola states that he never met Fredo, and Fredo plays along, shaking his hand. The uncomfortable exchange of expressions between Cazale and Chianese is only visible to the viewer, as we can clearly see they have met and are trying to conceal it. Later, in a sex club, Michael overhears Fredo explains to a friend that Johnny Ola brought him to the club first and explains further that “Old Man Roth will never come here, but Johnny Ola knows these places like the back of his hand.”
Michael’s suspicions of Hyman Roth are solidified in a moment of realization that could make you cry, and the heart-rending betrayal is revealed. Fredo later admitted that in exchange for “something for him,” he passed information about Michael to Roth. The “information” is unspecified, and Fredo explains that he did not know this exchange would lead to an attempt on Michael’s life.
Fredo’s decision is most likely a result of resentment toward Michael, by whom he felt he had been passed over. Michael was Fredo’s “kid brother,” and the fact that their father chose for Michael to take over the “family business” came as a great insult to Fredo, who was neither as intelligent nor as strong. During the course of the films, Fredo offers several ideas for the business, including a necropolis, but Michael doesn’t take his proposals seriously. He also acts shamefully, choosing womanizing and drinking over the business, despite being clearly charisma.
