Based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy, written by Nicholas Pileggi, Scorsese's mob-flick revolves around the career of gangster Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta). Hill, eventually became part of the witness protection program after testifying against his partners in crime; he became a rat.
True Life Crime Drama
Narrated mostly by Liotta throughout, the first half of the film is concerned with the benefits of living in the underworld of organised crime ("From as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.") Hill, with his close friends/colleagues Jimmy, Tommy and Paul (Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Paul Sorvino) are seen spending most of their nights at the Copacabana club, with various women, drinking and throwing money around. They occasionally have to crack a few heads to get what is owned to them, but it is all part of living the high life.
The second half of the film focuses upon Hill as he emerges from a spell in prison, in which he involves himself in the cocaine trade, going against the advice given to him by Jimmy and Paul. Hill becomes a disorganised, paranoid nervous wreck from using his own supply, and is eventually caught by the cops and sent to jail again. When Henry returns home, Paulie feels that he has betrayed him and his family, gives him $3200 and wants nothing to do with him again. Realising he has connections left with criminal underworld, it is then that Hill enrols in the Witness Protection Program.
Goodfellas can be credited for its narrative fluidity, which captivates the attention of the audience, allowing them to delve into the lifestyle accompanied with organised crime. As Scorsese's camera pans around the room and Liotta introduces us to each of his criminal colleagues (including the memorable "Jimmy Two Times"), we really feel overwhelmed and taken in by their presence. We feel like we can relate to Hill's gangster aspirations. Some of us will even admit that we would like to be there.
A Fascinating Look at the Mob
It is Scorsese's strict attention to detail in such instance that makes Goodfellas such a sophsiticated and utterly engrossing look at the power of the mob. We get to see relationships between friends and family develop and breakdown; we even get to see where all the money goes.
The performances from the actors are first-rate. Liotta never did anything as good as he did here, until he made Narc (nine years later). De Niro's presence is ferociously brutal, though still with his trademark charm. Even Pesci (who has an incredibly annoying reputation from his appearances in the Lethal Weapon sequels) is a joy to watch, and has some of the funniest lines of the movie (“I’m funny how? Funny like a clown? … I’m here to ****in’ amuse you?”)
O.K., now the flaws.
The second half of the film, in particular, where we see Hill in a paranoid mental state from drug usage, is far less compelling than the half that came before. There are particular moments (such as the time the character first served a jail sentence) where the story hints at Hill wanting to change his ways, which leaves us anticipating. However, Hill soon deteriorates into a coke addict, and we're forced to look at his deteriorating ways. It is not until after that that we see the character giving up the mob and going into witness protection. By then, the suspense that had mounted from anticipating the character's change of heart has decreased, considerably. And the ending is much less satisfying that it could've been.
GoodFellas is not Scorsese's best work or his most memorable, either. We all know that violence is a key feature of the director's movies, but, here, such scenes are not nearly as vividly potent as he has done in other films. The end shoot out in Taxi Driver, or the burial at the end of Casino are examples where Scorsese has done it better and had more of an impact.
And while not necessarily a flaw, it is at least disappointing that De Niro isn't given anywhere near enough screen time as an actor of his ability deserves. True, this is primarily a story about Henry Hill, who Liotta was billed to play, but De Niro always seemed to have that much more of an impact upon every scene he was present in. The relationship between the two seemed somewhat underwritten.
On a final note, GoodFellas is a fascinating film, yes, and does deserve some serious respect. However, best gangster film ever? No. That sub-title remains with The Godfather.
Andy Carrington - Andy Carrington is a Freelance Poet/Writer from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, currently residing in Bradford. He was educated at Wakefield ...
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