Movie : Goodfellas

3 Guys driving at night. Half asleep, no conversation. We hear a  thumping. They look at each other. They pull off the road, open the trunk and finish killing the guy who was doing the thumping. Welcome to Goodfellas. We follow these 3 as they pursue the gangster lifestyle. Henry Hill, one of the 3 narrates their story from start to finish with all their criminal activities along the way.

Martin Scorsese makes a great film here. He is at the top of his game as a film-maker. He brings it all together using everyone on both sides of the camera in the process. When you have good writing and combine that with great acting and catch it with the camera you get success. More great characters than you can shake a wet noodle (pasta noodle) at.

Casting is top notch. Not one false move. The supporting cast is made up with realistic, off beat performances. The three leads have a tight chemistry. Ray Liotta playing the young guy learning the ropes from his two older buddies. Joe Pesci, certified crazy, off the rails, headcase heading for a big crash and Robert DeNiro as the more controlled but just as scary and violent headcase. I really like DeNiro’s work here. Understated, subtle, real and totally believable. What a good actor he is.

One of the things I really like about this movie and I like a lot of it, is the soundtrack. As the years pass in the film the music keeps up with the times. So many good tunes used to enhance or color the scenes. Sort of an ‘American Graffiti’ feel. Just a little more violent. Good choices Marty.

Goodfellas might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s violent, vulgar, misogynistic and a whole lot of other unsavory things. Despite this it has some very funny moments. It’s not romanticized with honor and respect and all that shit. Scorsese shows these guy as the street thugs and dumb shits they are with all the warts and bruises. Living in their own little controlled world. They think they’re living the good life until they get fucking dead or end up in jail. No scholars in this story.

You really believe you are witnessing this world from the inside. Look at it as a learning experience. Learning how to be a gangster, learning how to be a Goodfella.