Should Michael killed Mr. Rooney?

If you have not seen the film Road to Perdition do not read this any further...


In the film Road to Perdition Michael Sullivan is raised by Mr. Rooney and after Rooney's real son Conner went bizerk and killed Michael's wife and son why did Michael kill his own step father?

I don't think he was his stepfather, he just took care of him over the years. And yes, he was letting his son steal from him and would not help Michael.

In his defense, it would be hard to hand over your son to be killed even if he did murder someone, you know? I can see why Mr. Rooney wouldn't budge.

And it would be hard not to want revenge over a man who murdered your wife and child. :rolleyes:

hhhmmm...

A strong subtheme in "Perdition" is sibling rivalry. It's clear that Michael Sullivan is a better "son" to Rooney than Connor. But the old man is unable to find a balance between Connor and Michael, and so lets Connor get away with his stupidity, greed, violence, etc.--all the vices that Michael doesn't have. Sure, Michael's primary mission is vengeance for his wife and son, but he's also getting even with Rooney for his failure to favor Michael over Conner.

No need to post that; the title of the thread gave away the entire ending anyway! :p

Mick