The three parts of The Godfather, adapted from Mario Puzo's best selling novel, constitute a monumental American epic about the conflict between doing business and living according to meaningful values - a conflict built into the very familial and economic structure of American Society.  The Godfather opens with a wedding - a family celebration of fertility, union, and the future.  Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) spends his time not outdoors, in the bright and sunlight, but in his dark cavelike office, where he does business with his wedding guests.  Although his may seem a special, unethical business (using his power and influence to do "favors" for his extended family), he is no different from other American businessmen, who often discuss business at weddings.