Yesterday was a wonderful reunion with friends I hadn't seen in a long time, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. Our catch-up session brought back memories of our high school antics—tutoring each other, lingering over meals at McDonald’s, and our amusing escapes to hide in the school's toilets during assemblies. Inspired by these reflections on friendship, I decided to watch 'Goodfellas'. While our friendships never ventured into mafia territory, the film's portrayal of complex bonds resonated with me. Dive into my review of Martin Scorsese’s 'Goodfellas', where I explore this classic film through the lens of our enduring camaraderie, albeit with a cinematic twist.
"As Far Back as I Can Remember, I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster."
Before we delve into the details of the review, let’s focus on the film's central figure, Henry Hill. 'Goodfellas' is a biographical mafia film that traces the life of Henry, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian boy growing up in New York who aspires to be a gangster. Henry starts small by making deliveries for the Lucchese mafia family, and despite his father’s attempts to intervene, threats from the mafia ensure that Henry continues his work. Under the guidance of Paul Cicero, Henry quickly climbs the ranks, eventually forming partnerships with Tommy DeVito and, later, James Conway. Their journey together spirals into a life filled with cargo heists, murders, and secret burials—a life of unforgettable crime and loyalty deeply embedded in the mafia's dark world.
Furthermore, it's important to note that Martin Scorsese assigns fictitious names to some characters in 'Goodfellas'. This creative decision allows for the addition of new personality traits and events, providing the freedom to craft a more engaging narrative rather than strictly adhering to historical accuracy. Something that makes sense to me.
"I Gotta Admit the Truth. It Turned Me on."
With the initial details provided, let's dive deeper into the review. 'Goodfellas' stands out primarily for its unique narration and storytelling. The film uses Henry Hill as its main narrator, occasionally switching to his wife Karen Hill, which adds depth to the narrative. This method not only advances the story but also offers an intimate glimpse into the mafia's operations—something I found enlightening. The narration gives the film a personal touch, akin to sitting beside your grandparents as they recount vivid tales from their youth, with the stories unfolding live before your eyes. This narrative style captivated me throughout the film’s 2 hours and 26 minutes, perfectly complementing the unfolding events of Henry Hill’s life in the mafia alongside his associates.
"Good for You. Don't Take No S*** Off Nobody!"
Aside from Henry Hill, 'Goodfellas' introduces a spectrum of enigmatic characters from both the Lucchese and Gambino families. Notable figures include Tommy DeVito, a volatile and sensitive member; James Conway, whose calm demeanor belies his dangerous side; Karen Hill, Henry’s wife, who is drawn to his ruthless world; Paul Cicero, the caporegime of the Lucchese family; and Billy Batts, a 'made' member of the Gambino family. While these characters are essential to the narrative's progression, the film features an extensive cast, which, although not overwhelming, could have been streamlined. Some characters contribute minimally to the plot's advancement, marking a slight flaw in an otherwise tightly woven narrative.
"I'm Funny How..."
Let's be clear: films directed by luminaries like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino demand top-tier acting talent. These directors wouldn't settle for anything less than stellar performances, and 'Goodfellas' is a prime example of this high standard. The acting in the movie is uniformly excellent, but a few performances particularly stood out and left me in awe.
Robert De Niro's portrayal of James Conway is a journey from a seemingly warm and generous mobster to a chillingly sinister figure by the film's end. His transformation is both startling and masterfully executed, highlighting De Niro’s incredible range and ability to captivate audiences. Meanwhile, Joe Pesci's portrayal of Tommy DeVito is my personal highlight. Pesci perfectly captures a volatile character plagued by anger issues, yet unafraid to face confrontation. The synergy between actor and role is palpable, making his performance not only believable but deeply compelling. These standout moments are testament to the brilliant execution of the film and the exceptional skills of its cast.
"For Us to Live Any Other Way Was Nuts."
Moving forward, let's discuss the film's cinematography and music, which, while seemingly simple, are perfectly suited to the narrative of 'Goodfellas'. In biographical and historically focused films, it's common for the cinematography to be understated to ensure the storytelling remains the focal point. This is distinctly different from genres like adventure or sci-fi, where bold cinematographic choices often play a significant role in storytelling. Thus, the straightforward cinematography in 'Goodfellas' effectively captures the essence of Henry Hill’s life and the operations of the Lucchese family without overshadowing the narrative. The music follows a similar pattern: it's simple but captures the essence of 1950s to 1980s mafia life in New York with fitting jazz tracks that enhance the period feel without dominating the scenes.
However, notable exceptions like Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' and Spielberg's 'Schindler’s List' show that biographical films can also excel with dynamic cinematography and music. These elements enhance their storytelling, making them some of my all-time favorites.
"Never Rat on Your Friends, and Always Keep Your Mouth Shut."
Since this is my second review of a Martin Scorsese film, you might wonder, "Giresh, which do you prefer: 'Goodfellas' or 'Shutter Island'?" To that, I must honestly say I cannot choose between them. Each movie stands out with its own unique narrative and directorial approach. 'Goodfellas' is a biographical crime drama, weaving its story through a narrative style that captivates with its detailed depiction of gangster life. On the other hand, 'Shutter Island' offers a psychological thriller filled with plot twists and mind-bending sequences that progressively intensify the storytelling. These films highlight that Martin Scorsese is not limited to one style but is a master of diverse narrative techniques, each crafted to thrill and engage his audience in different ways.
I rate 'Goodfellas' a solid 90 on the Vigor Scale. The film's narrative style kept me hooked until the very end, and I found myself wishing it wouldn't finish. The acting is top-notch, with an interesting array of characters that, although not all are pivotal to the plot, each add depth to the story. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys cinema, especially fans of the crime and mafia genre. Don't let the film's length deter you; it’s a Martin Scorsese masterpiece through and through. On a final note, while I hope the bond with my friends remains as strong as that among the Lucchese family members—Henry Hill, Tommy DeVito, James Conway, and Paul Cicero—I certainly hope our journey doesn't mirror the ending of the movie. Oops, a spoiler there!