The Godfather: Why Did Vito Never Trust Hyman Roth?

In The Godfather: Part II, Vito Corleone's mistrust of Hyman Roth is a complex issue rooted in multiple layers of conflict. This mistrust is evident throughout the film and is further elaborated upon in various scenes, including one where Vito makes a peculiar demand involving a pair of stolen socks.

Business Practices vs. Family Values

Vito's distrust of Hyman Roth primarily stems from their differing business philosophies. Roth is a man who prioritizes profit and expediency, often at the expense of relationships and loyalty. On the other hand, Vito values family and loyalty above all. This fundamental difference in values creates an irreconcilable gap between them.

Past Experiences and Wariness

Vito's past dealings with various characters in the criminal underworld have taught him to be cautious of ambitious individuals who lack loyalty. Hyman Roth's ambition and desire for power make Vito wary. Additionally, Roth's involvement in the attempted assassination on Vito's son, Michael, further cements Vito's distrust. Roth's willingness to betray those he claims to be allied with suggests that he cannot be trusted.

Cultural and Ethical Differences

Vito, an Italian immigrant, holds traditional values and operates within a familial framework. In contrast, Hyman Roth, a Jewish mobster, represents a different set of values and business ethics. This cultural divide adds to the tension and distrust between them. Vito's prudently cautious nature and adherence to his principles make it difficult for him to fully trust Roth.

A Memorable Scene: Eyes and Ears

Consider a memorable scene in the film where a raid takes place at a mafia meeting in New Jersey. Vito, concerned and annoyed, takes off his socks. Someone steals them, and now Vito cannot wear shoes and is forced to wear sandals even in winter. Several days later, he sees Hyman Roth wearing the same pair of socks. Vito's response? 'You give me back the socks first! Then we'll see.' This scene humorously reinforces Vito's suspicion and the practical consequences of Roth's actions.

Further complicating the situation is the revelation that Hyman Roth is not who he claims to be. His real identity is Lee Strasberg, which is an additional layer of deception and mistrust. Moreover, Roth has a history of dealings with Vito that seem to include odd demands, such as wholesale offers for long underwear. However, Vito, a man of principles, would never enter into such a business. This creates further enmity among the other families, highlighting the ethical and cultural differences at play.

The parodic scene you mentioned, where both Roth and Michael Corleone are seen wearing identical socks that belong to Vito, adds a layer of humorous contrast between the two. This visual gaffe merely underscores Vito's adherence to his principles and the underlying tension between him and Roth.

Both characters' inherent mistrust each other reflects a broader theme in the film about the complexities of loyalty, power, and cultural values in the world of organized crime. The relationship between Vito and Hyman Roth is a microcosm of larger ethical dilemmas faced by the Corleone family.

In conclusion, Vito's mistrust of Hyman Roth is a result of their differing values, past experiences, and cultural differences. These factors combine to create a relationship characterized by wariness and suspicion, which plays a significant role in the narrative of The Godfather: Part II.