GoodFellas (film)
"GoodFellas" is a critically acclaimed film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true-life experiences of Henry Hill, an associate of the Lucchese crime family. Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's book "Wiseguy," the story chronicles Henry's rise from a young boy performing menial tasks for the mob to becoming a respected "wiseguy." The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito and Robert De Niro as Jimmy Conway, both inspired by real-life figures within the mob.
One of the notable aspects of "GoodFellas" is its portrayal of the seductive allure of a gangster's lifestyle, showcasing moments of camaraderie and freedom. However, as the narrative progresses, it reveals the violent and brutal reality that underlies this seemingly glamorous existence, illustrated through shocking scenes that highlight the characters' moral decay. Ultimately, Henry's story culminates in his downfall, as he becomes an informant, losing his status and facing disdain from the very world he once thrived in.
"GoodFellas" not only captivated audiences but also set a benchmark for future gangster films and series, influencing works such as "The Sopranos." The film has also contributed to a renewed public interest in organized crime and the complexities of mob life, turning Henry Hill into a figure of notoriety in popular culture.
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Subject Terms
GoodFellas (film)
Director Martin Scorsese (1942- )
Date Released on September 19, 1990
Widely lauded for its skillful directing, Oscar-caliber performances, and references to real-life events, GoodFellas is one of the most critically acclaimed gangster movies of all time and has earned its place in the American film canon.
The script for GoodFellas is derived from the Nicholas Pileggi book Wiseguy (1986), which draws heavily from the real-life experiences of Henry Hill, an American gangster and confederate of the Lucchese crime family. The movie follows Henry from childhood as he starts out performing menial tasks for the local mob, run by Paul Cicero (played by Paul Sorvino and based on real-life Lucchese crime figure Paul Vario). Henry’s crime activities increase as he matures into a full-blown “wiseguy,” earning the respect of his cohorts, including Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), based on Tommy DeSimone, and Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), based on Jimmy Burke.
One of the compelling aspects of GoodFellas is the surface appeal of Henry’s life as the story starts out. The audience is introduced to extremely charismatic characters who are treated with respect and living above the standards of average people. They are shown to have a life of freedom and little responsibility to the establishment. As Henry Hill states, “If we wanted something, we just took it.”
However, as the story unfolds, the underlying violence and accountability of Henry’s world increasingly surface. In a pivotal scene, Tommy shoots a waiter named “Spider” in the foot. Later, as the bandaged Spider defends himself against Tommy’s belittlements, Tommy murders him in cold blood. This psychopathic action, one of the many shocking scenes in the film, exemplifies how the seemingly fun and prosperous life of the gangster can flip into brutality at any moment. As the narrative progresses, Henry’s life increasingly disintegrates as the negative forces play themselves out. In the end, after Henry is busted by the police, he is reduced to becoming one of the most despised personas in the mob world: an informant. Henry’s world has crumbled, and, as he says at the end, “I get to live the rest of my life like a schnook.”
Impact
GoodFellas not only resonated with audiences worldwide but also established a template for many future gangster films and television series. Martin Scorsese grew up in the Bronx, and throughout his film career his understanding of street nuance set a new standard in the entertainment industry. For example, the Home Box Office (HBO) series The Sopranos drew influence from GoodFellas and Scorsese’s work, and many of the actors from the film itself crossed over to the show. In addition to artistic influence, GoodFellas brought renewed attention to gangster life. Henry Hill has become somewhat of a celebrity, being expelled from the witness protection program and appearing on various talk shows.
Bibliography
Friedman, Lawrence S. The Cinema of Martin Scorsese. New York: Continuum, 1997.
Scorsese, Martin. Scorsese on Scorsese. Rev. ed. London: Faber & Faber, 2003.
Wood, C. J. Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese: “Wiseguy” and “GoodFellas”—Mob Rules. http://www.spikemagazine.com/1003nicholaspileggi .php, 2003.