Wiseguy: Goodfellas Film Review

By Emily Eade

Goodfellas, the film that not only showed me art but showed me family is not always blood. It was a very well thought out film based on the book 'Wiseguy’, directed by the brilliant director Martin Scorsese who was known for his big hits Taxi Driver, and Raging bull; Goodfellas was released in September of 1990. This film is about organized crime, you know, the mafia. Showing the creation of the famous mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta playing adult Henry Hill). He was created by the crime family that took him under their wing.

This highly romanticized mafioso film, Goodfellas, is about Henry Hill growing up in a bad household and getting involved in the mafia. Becoming a member of the mafia in 1950s New York City was one of the coolest “job” anyone can get. “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster. To me, being a gangster was better than being President of the United States.” Henry did exactly that as a teenager (Played by Christopher Serrone as young Henry Hill) by being the gofer of the neighborhood mob boss, Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino). That was his first experience of what the mob life was really like. By the 70's Henry gained the position being somewhat important and created close friendships with Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). Once Henry married a nice Jewish girl named Karen (Lorraine Bracco), it caused him to become more reckless and take on many different affairs. He also got involved in the death of a “made” man.  Ultimately, with his involvement with drugs, he was arrested and became an informant for the FBI.

This story was created to show that the life of a mobster is not as glamorous as everyone thinks it is. The film showed how the mafia looks in the real world; it expressed that this life is dangerous and once you're involved you are always involved. Also showing that the bonds that are formed between people in crime, and how betrayal is the most wicked offense imaginable.

This film has absolutely gorgeous cinematography, editing, acting, and soundtrack. The cinematography was done by the wonderful cinematographer, Michael Ballhaus. Showing wonderful optics and many more throughout the film. For example, deep focus is observed in the restaurant. It is easy to recognize the main characters as well as those people in the background to show that the main characters are not powerful enough to be separated from the crowd. The editing was done by not only Martin Scorese but also Thelma Schoonmaker. The editing was absolutely perfect. For example, the one shot scene being left in the film while Henry and Karen walk through the back to the front of the restaurant. The acting showed that Ray Liotta perfectly portrayed Henry Hill as an idealistic young mobster fascinated by lots of booze, money and time; and after the first time in prison Liotta portrayed how dark the mob was. The acting that Robert De Niro did perfectly portrayed how he was a mentor almost like a father towards Henry. He also told him the two important rules of being a mobster, “never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.” The soundtrack consisted of songs being perfectly placed throughout the film. For example, ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ by Cream as the camera zoomed into Robert De Niro showing true emotion and of how badass Jimmy Conway is. Then perfectly placed piano exit to ‘Layla’ by Derek and the Dominos when everyone started to get ''wacked”.

I would completely suggest this film for lovers of history and film. The first time I saw Goodfellas I was 9 years old and that was the exact second I saw the beauty in film. This film also caused me to become obsessed with the mafia. When you get the chance to see this film do it. You get to see the classic mafia film of Martin Scorsese and you get to see the romanized version of what the mafia is. While watching you get to hear good music and see some of the most famous and influential actors of all time. This is also a film that caused many directors to become directors. It's very influential.