The Godfather: A man's word is often more valuable than money.

For me, the most important theme in The Godfather comes from the issue of loyalty: a man's word is often more valuable than money. 

The importance of this theme becomes obvious in the very first scene, where Bonasera asks Don Corleone to help him get revenge for his daughter's rape. The favor, however, is worth much more than money; it costs Bonasera his loyalty. This means that now, if Vito asks something of Bonasera, he will have to comply. 

The opening scene isn’t the only case when loyalty acts like currency in Coppola's film. When Salvatore Tessio betrays the Corleone family, his move being “simply business”, he asks Tom Hagen to get him off the hook. However, since loyalty can’t be bought, Hagen refuses and orders to assassinate Tessio. 

Literary Elements in the Godfather

“The Godfather” is truly an incredible movie. 

The constant switches between low and high key lighting create a tense atmosphere. Although the film opens with a man talking to Vito, it is made clear that Don Corleone is the main character of the film through the use of lighting, over the shoulder shots, as well as zoom outs. Moreover, everyone is facing Don Corleone, presenting him as the center of attention.

The contrast between light and dark as well as public and private appears throughout the film. Outside, Don Corleone's family celebrates Connie's wedding, while behind closed doors, her father deals with "business".
In this scene, Vito is not just a gangster, but is also a proud father, who is dancing with his daughter on her wedding day. This scene therefore reveals his other side. At this point in the movie, it seems like "the public" and "the private" aspects of the family are capable of co-existing. However, as we find out later in the film, the two sides end up clashing. 

The Godfather's message goes beyond the idea of gangsters, power, and violence. Essentially, it is the Corleones' struggle with choosing family over business that's at the center of the movie. The final scene makes it clear that unfortunately for the family, business will always triumph. We know this for a fact when Kay asks Michael if he killed his own brother-in-law. "No," he lies. As Kay leaves the room, the camera's focus does not leave Michael, even though Kay is in the immediate foreground. In a second, the door closes Kay out, symbolizing the final victory of business over family.