Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is
nothing short of a masterpiece. Martin Scorsese directed many masterpieces over
his impressive career, but this is his masterpiece of those masterpieces. It
has the honor of being in my top five films of all time. It is a long movie,
but you do not feel its length. Scorsese does a genius job keeping the audience
hooked with his quick-edit, fast-paced style. By the time the credits roll, you
will be in a satisfied state of exhilaration. People compare this film to The
Godfather. Not a knock on the aforementioned film, but these are two different
styles that tell a story about the mafia. The Godfather is more of a
broad, classical-style film while Scorsese creates something more realistic and
something that centers on the importance of family. This seminal film is the reason
why The Sopranos exist. David Chase was given a divine sense of
inspiration. In addition, the performances are excellent across the board. You
cannot honestly single anyone out because everyone is just that good. Ray
Liotta and his voiceovers, Joe Pesci and his temper, and the list goes on and
on.
Only Martin Scorsese could have made this film. He
grew up in the streets of New York’s Little Italy. Unable to play sports or do
many activities, he kept his eye on his neighborhood, never missing a thing.
His keen sense of detail is important in the movie. He also wrote the
screenplay, based off a reporter, Nicholas Pileggi’s book. The real Henry Hill
was in the FBI’s Witness Protection program, and he told Pileggi his story. Pileggi
then worked with Scorsese to create a mafia story that is about the real world.
It is kind of disturbing how this film is seen seemingly like a documentary.
Everything just felt so…real. Which is exactly what everyone is going for! The
characters are memorable and undesirable, yet they are very likable. These characters
live in a life of crime, yet you just cannot help being drawn into their world
and feeling mesmerized. I found myself yearning to be a part of this world at
times because of the riches. On the other end of the spectrum, you may not want
to be in this world. In the life of organized crime, death can come easily and
out of nowhere. Scorsese did an amazing job with the soundtrack. There is no
score. Instead. he chooses songs with meaningful lyrics that fit whatever
happens to onscreen. I saw Derek and the Domino’s “Layla” in a whole different
light after the scene it played in. It is spoiler-heavy, so I will not describe
that scene. But it may be my favorite sequence in the movie.
It is difficult to say exactly what the plot is. The
story is more like the sum of individual parts that talk about the rise and fall
of Henry Hill’s organized crime life. Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) narrates the
story with an excellent narration (“As far back I can remember, I always wanted
to be a gangster.”). In the 60’s and 70’s, Hill actively took part of this life.
His best friend is made gangster, Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). He seems to be a
swell guy but with an awful temper. (The “what do you mean I’m funny?” scene is
a classic). Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) works with them to make massive burglaries.
In order to live this luxurious life that Henry has always dreamed of, he must keep
local mob boss Paulie Cicero (Paul Sorvino) happy. But this life was not always
meant to be for Mr. Hill. He may become an important rat to the feds.
Everyone is amazing here in their respective roles. Scorsese
got Joe Pesci an Oscar in 1980 for Raging Bull. He got him nominated
here with a fiery performance. Ray Liotta seems to fly under the radar
considering all the talent surrounded him. But he nails it. I can’t stop
picturing his character laughing. Mr. Liotta passed away several days ago, so I
am glad I was able to rewatch his iconic performance. De Niro does De Niro
things. Are you surprised? A special shout out goes to Lorraine Bracco, who
plays Karen Hill. She was not necessarily looking to enter the mob life, but
she hardly looks away either. I learned that once a mob wife enters the mob scene,
she can have no friends except for the other mob wives. A tidbit of information
that I did not know.
Goodfellas is
a special movie that will always have a place in my heart. People felt like Scorsese
was losing his mojo during the 80’s (which is odd, because those films are
still great). He answered his critics with what could arguably be the best
movie of his career. A frenetic, exhilarating look into the mafia world. Also,
expect lots of profanity. It is how these people talk. From the moment the film
begins, Scorsese does not pump the brakes. He and editor Thelma Schoonmaker used
magic to transport you into this tough, violent world. I did not want to leave
this world, no matter how many times I watch.
R.I.P Ray Liotta
My Grade: A+
Comments
Post a Comment