Posted By: Turnbull
Rocco, Neri and Michael - 03/03/13 04:55 PM
Rocco was Clemenza’s man, Neri was Michael’s. At the end of the novel, Neri goes to Nevada with Michael to be head of security for his hotels. Rocco stays in New York with Clemenza. But, the novel only covers the transition period from NY to NV. In GF II, both Rocco and Neri are with Michael.
Why did Michael need Rocco? The movie gives many examples of how Neri seemingly eclipsed Rocco in Michael’s estimation and was trying to push past Tom to become Michael’s #2.
What purpose did Rocco serve? One possibility is that Michael needed Rocco as a counterbalance to Neri—a check on Neri’s ambitions, an ever-present alternative if Neri slipped or got out of line. Another is that Michael was holding Rocco in reserve for just the kind of “Mission Impossible” he sent Rocco on when Roth returned to the US. Your thoughts?
Why did Michael need Rocco? The movie gives many examples of how Neri seemingly eclipsed Rocco in Michael’s estimation and was trying to push past Tom to become Michael’s #2.
What purpose did Rocco serve? One possibility is that Michael needed Rocco as a counterbalance to Neri—a check on Neri’s ambitions, an ever-present alternative if Neri slipped or got out of line. Another is that Michael was holding Rocco in reserve for just the kind of “Mission Impossible” he sent Rocco on when Roth returned to the US. Your thoughts?