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Hidden Deeper in the Story: Al Neri, the Cop Who Became Michael's Trusted Bodyguard

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The tale of Al Neri, Michael Corleone's most trusted and loyal bodyguard, is one that extends beyond the silver screen, delving into his real-life background as a Brooklyn cop. While many who have only watched The Godfather may be unaware of this, the story is rich with historical and narrative significance.

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The Origins of Al Neri: A Cop’s Dilemma

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As the plot of the movies unfolds, Al Neri's history as a Brooklyn cop adds depth to his character. In reality, Neri was a true police officer who had faced challenges, including disciplinary issues stemming from the brutal beating of a pimp, much to the dismay of his colleagues.

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While the book delves deeper into his background, many fans remain unaware. As one actor noted, 'Unless you read the book, most people wouldn’t know [about Al Neri’s backstory]'. This revelation highlights how critical the novels are in uncovering the full narrative that film adaptations may omit.' The detailed backstories in the novels often provide readers with a more nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations.

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Indeed, the story of Al Neri’s journey from a tough Brooklyn policeman to a key figure in the Corleone family is a fascinating one. His character is characterized by a unique blend of hard-nosed law enforcement and unwavering loyalty. He becomes a pivotal character in the sequel films as well, as suggested by the thought that he is 'probably zero. Or less' in recognition in the original trilogy.

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Behind the Scenes: The Appeal of Neri's Character

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Neri's character gained even more recognition through a deleted scene.

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In the film, there is a deleted scene where Al Neri essentially pushes out Klingman from 'his casino'. This scene underscores Neri's enforcement of his authority and the depth of his ties to the Corleone empire. It adds layers to his character, showing his complex role in the Corleone family’s operations.

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How Many Really Know?

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So how much does the average viewer know about Al Neri's backstory? A survey among viewers reveals that a small but significant fraction do have knowledge of this key detail.

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Out of a small group of twelve individuals, a breakdown of how they came to know about Neri’s background is as follows:

" "" "Four of them read the book, providing them with the full context and background of Neri." "Three overheard conversations or read information from other sources." "The remaining five learned about Neri at a bar trivia night, although interestingly, two of these individuals were so intoxicated that they have no recollection of how they acquired this information." "" "

Thus, the truth about Al Neri remains a mystery to many, nestled between the pages of the book and often overlooked in the film adaptations. His legacy as Michael Corleone's bodyguard is one that deserves more recognition, especially among those who are curious about the complexities of the Corleone family saga.

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Conclusion

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The story of Al Neri is a testament to the rich, multi-layered narrative that the The Godfather series offers. While his character is significant in the film adaptations, his deeper background provides a more rounded character and a greater understanding of his role in the Corleone family.

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To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of The Godfather's world, it is recommended to delve into the source material. The novels provide a richer and more detailed backdrop to the action, ensuring that every borrowed badge and every trusted ally fits seamlessly into the overall tapestry of power and treachery.

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