Exploring the Impact of Vito Refusing Buonasera’s Request in The Godfather

In the iconic The Godfather, one particular scene featuring Vito Corleone and Buonasera, the funeral director, sets the stage for Vito as more than just a ruthless criminal. However, what would happen if Michael Corleone, or even Vito himself, had chosen to approach Buonasera differently? Let's delve into an alternate interpretation of this pivotal scene.

Understanding the Original Scene

The scene in question is centered around Buonasera, a well-to-do white man whose daughter was beaten by two men of honor granted to a "system" that Vito describes as uneven and unfair to immigrants. Buonasera, seeking retribution, approached Vito for assistance but without wanting to associate himself fully with his newfound protector. Vito, true to Sicilian tradition, honored reasonable requests, which Buonasera hoped he would do, even if it meant bringing harm to others.

Instead of accepting money, Vito turned down the request. He explained that murder was not justice and that it would be better to teach the system a lesson by providing a punishment that would deter such behavior. Vito's refusal underscores his character as a man of integrity and practical solutions, rather than brute force.

Altered Perspective: Vito's Disrespect in the Scene

Imagine if Vito never called Buonasera his godfather or kissed his hand, despite the numerous prompts and clues he was given. How might Buonasera have reacted to such a lack of respect?

Buonasera's Perspective: In this altered scene, Buonasera would likely have felt disrespected and perhaps even slighted. After all, he had approached Vito in a seemingly conventional manner, hoping for a traditional response. Vito's refusal to engage in this expected form of respect would have been a significant breach of etiquette.

Vito's Perspective: Vito, on the other hand, would have remained resolute. He was not in the business of performing rituals just because tradition demanded it. His decision was based on a rational assessment of what would be the most effective and ethical course of action.

Reactions to Vito's Approach: If Vito had continued to avoid the godfather orh kiss, Buonasera would have likely felt the need to leave empty-handed. This would have disrupted the anticipated dynamics of the scene and the viewer's understanding of Vito's character as someone justly valued by others who looked to him for support and protection.

The Essence of Vito Corleone

The essence of the original scene is to illustrate Vito's role as a figure of respect and practicality within the narrative of the mafia film. This is a departure from the common portrayal of gangsters as mindlessly violent and uncouth.

By being respectful and rational, Vito sets himself apart and demonstrates his status as a man of his word. He uses his influence to protect and support those who can count on him, rather than resorting to brute force or disrespectful behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if Buonasera approached Vito without the expectation of the traditional godfather or hand-kiss, and Vito did not offer it, the scene would have served a different purpose. It would have highlighted the tension between the old-world traditions of respect and loyalty and the pragmatic approach of Vito Corleone in dealing with injustice.

The original scene serves to establish Vito as a character who values more than just power, but also the integrity of the relationships he builds. Without this respectful approach, the character's complexity and the film's nuanced portrayal of the mafia world would have been significantly altered.