After Don Vito has killed the Black Hand, he is well respected in the area. The camera techniques used in the scene where an old lady comes to pay Vito a visit exemplify how certain shots can subconsciously convey a particular message in the art of film.
The scene of with the street vender giving Vito free fruit out of respect. After this exchange, the camera zooms out and shows a long shot of the street. This shot gives context and implies that this town and the people in it are now loyal to Vito.
Next, the conversation between Signora Colombo and Vito is filmed mainly as a two-shot, where the camera is behind each actor’s shoulder to show that the conversation is occurring between them. However, at some points in the conversation the camera films the conversation further away from the scene. This urges us to look at the conversation from an outsider’s point of view. It also suggests that someone else not part of the scene is watching Vito’s actions and conversations as a spy.
Signora Colombo is seated under a window that serves as the only light source in the room. The light from the window is used as symbol to show that Vito is the only light in her situation. If she had not come to see Vito, she would be on the streets with her little boy and his beloved dog.
