Goodfellas is one of the movies everyone needs to see at least once in their lifetime. We’re not talking about just any mob movie, Martin Scorsese’s depiction of the mafia has earned its place in cinematic history. Released in 1990, this movie is simply on top of any conventional productions trying to depict mob life. From the star-studded cast, masterful dialogue, excellent performances, and all the way to its sharp direction, Goodfellas is a piece of cinematic history. So, we invite you to keep reading to discover the details that make the movie what it is. Oh, and make sure you have some popcorn because your evening might turn into a movie night.
The Cream of the Crop – Top Actors in Goodfellas
We’re used to seeing Scorsese pulling out the big guns for some of his movies. However, Goodfellas is simply filled to the brim with top actors that give life to some multi-faceted characters. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are two of Hollywood’s best that have major roles in the movie. Pesci actually got an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for playing the terrifying Tommy DeVito.
However, the main guy is definitely Ray Liotta, with one of the best performances of his career. Playing Henry Hill, the “made man” that’s also the narrator, Liotta seems like more than a man with strong ties with New York mafia members involved in illegal gambling. He’s simply the heart and soul of the movie, assisted by Lorraine Bracco (Karen Hill), who provides a rare female insight into Henry’s dominating point of view.
Possibly Scorsese’s Best Movie Ever
It’s hard to precisely name the best film directed by Martin Scorsese simply because he’s involved in so many masterpieces, such as The Irishman which won the 2020 Golden Globe for best motion picture. However, Goodfellas is certainly a contender for the title of “Best Scorsese Movie Ever” for several reasons. First of all, there’s intricate storytelling which has a lot of suspense among viewers. Then there are the innovative techniques like using the Copacabana Steadicam shot that give a sense of unity to the movie. Lastly, his unique ability to combine visual elements, perfectly-adapted music, and narration makes the movie a feast for the senses.
While some may think he glamorizes mob life, Scorsese paints a realistic picture, highlighting the allure and unavoidable dangers of the mafia. Of course, if you’re a fan of the guy, you’re already used to the duality as one of Scorsese’s signatures.
A Gritty Glimpse into the Often Restricted Underworld
Numerous gangster films either vilify or romanticize the mafia lifestyle. However, Goodfellas chose a unique path that explores both the highs and the brutal lows. The movie provides a full-access perspective into the inner workings of the mafia, from hierarchical structures to the unwritten rules that govern it. Of course, Scorsese doesn’t shy away from the raw violence that comes with the package or the constant betrayal that makes everything so visceral. Furthermore, the movie sheds light on how an outsider can become a “made man”. It’s not condoning or condemning the lifestyle but simply presents it as it is.
Excellent Dialogue with Words that Stick
Goodfellas is a fast-paced movie with lots of dialogue intertwined with Hill’s narration. While the narrative scenes are frequent, they never feel like being overbearing and leave enough room for the characters to talk fast and loud. Confusing as it may feel, there are many scenes in which characters speak over each other, a close depiction of real-life gangster meetings.
The dialogue couldn’t be any different, with everything being so fast and frantic. Even more, some of the lines were improvised, adding a touch of authenticity. Lines like “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster” or “Never rat on your friend, and always keep your mouth shut” feel genuine and authentic. Furthermore, some of the hardcore fans were surely amused by Jimmy Two-Times’ iconic “I’m gonna go get the papers, get the papers”.
Final Thoughts
You can’t deny Goodfellas’ place in cinematic history when putting everything together. Scorsese did a fine job highlighting a handful of top actors like De Niro, Pesci, and Liotta through roles that will live on forever. But it’s not all about the actors and the characters they play. There’s also the sharp dialogue and raw violent scenes. The way they blend perfectly into the entire film makes it relatable and truthful. So, there’s no wonder that Goodfellas remains the standard for gangster movies. Even now, more than 33 years since it was released, it’s as relevant and influential as it was back in the 90s and continues to inspire other filmmakers.