Did Don Vito Hate Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather?

In The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone does not explicitly hate Carlo Rizzi, but his disapproval is evident. Carlo, who is married to Vito's daughter, Connie, is seen as weak and irresponsible, especially after he abuses Connie. Vito, a man who prioritizes loyalty and respect within his family, takes these actions very seriously. When Carlo’s behavior threatens the family, particularly through his connection to other families and his failures, Vito's disappointment is clear. Ultimately, Carlo's betrayal and involvement in the plot against Michael Corleone significantly harm the family, leading to his downfall.

Context and Disapproval

Carlo's relationship with Connie remains a contentious issue throughout the film. Vito disapproves of Connie marrying Rizzi, mainly because:

Carlo is seen as a liability and a threat to the family’s honor and safety. Vito values loyalty and respect, and Carlo does not demonstrate these qualities. There were multiple instances of Carlo's abuse towards Connie, which Vito cannot overlook.

Why Sonny Should Have Killed Carlo

Central to the relationship between Carlo and the Corleone family is the beatings Connie suffered at Carlo's hands. This abhorrent behavior towards Vito's daughter led to significant tension within the family. When Carlo violently beat Connie when she was pregnant, his actions were particularly egregious. This incident filled Sonny with rage, as evidenced by his response:

“He was filled with rage when he saw her face black and blue after Carlo beat her with a belt while she was pregnant. He didn't trust him anyway – he was a snake. Nobody liked him anyway.”

The beatings were not a one-time event. Carlo would beat and cheat on Connie repeatedly, making him a bottom-feeding bum in the eyes of the family. Connie's sisters and brother, including Sonny, could not trust Carlo.

Tragic Consequences

One fateful night, Carlo beat Connie again. Confronted with this, Sonny's rage reached a peak. The atmosphere was tense, and the family's trust was shattered. Tragically, instead of eliminating Carlo, which would have made a statement and perhaps prevented future violence, Sonny was killed by Barzini, an ally of Carlo, while returning from a mission to kill Carlo.

The Decision to Keep Carlo's Involvement Secret

Despite the severity of Carlo's actions and the palpable disapproval from other family members, Vito chose to keep Carlo's involvement in his life a secret. This decision was motivated by a mix of factors, including:

The need to protect Connie and her children. Betterment of the family's image and interests overall. Protection from potential retaliation from Carlo and his allies.

By choosing not to interfere directly, Vito maintained a cold and guarded relationship with Carlo, knowing that direct confrontation might have led to unintended consequences.

Conclusion

In summary, while Don Vito did not explicitly hate Carlo Rizzi, his disapproval was profound. Carlo's actions threatened the family's safety, honor, and stability. Vito's relationship with Carlo remained cold and guarded, driven by a commitment to the family’s principles and welfare. Carlo's ultimate downfall was a direct result of his betrayal and involvement in the plot against Michael Corleone, a lesson in the high stakes of loyalty and trust within the Corleone family.