Goodfellas

UK Release Date: 26 October 1990

Certification: 18

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Frank Sivero, Paul Sorvino, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent 

Rating: 92%

"As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster."

Review:

Goodfellas is the ultimate crime flick. Despite the rushed conclusion (my opinion) Martin Scorsese's film, based on a true story, is often considered as one of the best of all time. Criminally, this is my first viewing of a Scorsese feature. With instant classics like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull as well as modern classics like The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street, he's viewed as one of the greatest directors of all time. I think what makes him stand out is his reliance on returning actors (Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci back then and Leonardo DiCaprio since the 2000's). 

What makes Goodfellas not only an iconic movie but an accurate depiction of the Mafia, are the characters within. The late Ray Liotta plays Henry Hill, who's life in the mob we get to experience over a thirty year period. And his inability to escape that life is what really intrigued me about this film. In his teenage years he was in love with the gangster's life - "As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster." He was overcome by the fantasy-like lifestyle that came with it. However, after the murder of Billy Batts there was no way out. From that point onwards he seriously doubts his involvement in the mob and is absolutely dying to get out. But that's the true beauty of the film, he's trapped, he's controlled. As a result he had become the very thing he resented at the beginning of the film - a rat. I've always felt that Robert De Niro's performance is often overlooked but it justifies his standings as one of the greatest actors of all time. He plays Henry's mentor in the mob, Jimmy Conway. His brash, menacing personality adds to the ominous nature present throughout the movie's runtime.   

But having said all that, the definitive greatest aspect of Goodfellas is Joe Pesci's astounding performance. Even Tommy's real life brother went on to say that Pesci's performance was 95% accurate. "But I'm funny how, funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you?". That scene is a masterpiece in filmmaking and a masterclass in acting. It effortlessly demonstrates why Martin Scorsese is such an accomplished director. He makes the audience aware of everything they need to know about Tommy DeVito in one scene. Following the aftermath of the now iconic scene, I was on edge whenever Tommy was on screen due to his recklessness, even when around his friends. That's the magic of Goodfellas - these are bad people - but because of captivating performances from Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci I can't help but root for them. 

The cinematography in the film is some of the best ever put on screen. The shot at the graveyard always comes to mind, it doesn't just look great but it's also very clever. The red mist signifying the danger that the three have now put themselves in following Batts' murder. The slow zoom into Jimmy's 'dead stare' is also superb. He draws in all your attention, zoning out the chaos going on around him, because at that point in time he's the only one with a plan. 

Another interesting aspect of Goodfellas is the song choice. The movie opens to 'Rags to Riches' by Tony Bennett acting as a brief summary of the film's plot. 50's and 60's love songs soon play, the likes of The Crystal's 'Then He Kissed Me', to illustrate Henry's love for the lifestyle that comes with being part of the mafia. As the film becomes more sinister, children's Christmas songs begin to play - The Ronettes' 'Frosty the Snowman'. 'Sunshine of Your Love' by Cream has become synonymous with Goodfellas as it accompanies the 'dead stare' scene. And by the end of the runtime Goodfellas transcends into a rock and roll fest, Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter, highlighting how not only has the music drastically changed from the start but so has the movie. What was once a mob flick has now transformed into a drug escapade.