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Is ‘Goodfellas’ a Superior Gangster Film to ‘The Godfather’?
Considered by many to be among the greatest cinematic achievements in the gangster genre, The Godfather frequently tops polls as the best ever made. However, a compelling argument exists for another mob movie, released nearly two decades later, potentially surpassing even Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic work.
A Stellar Cast and Unforgettable Lines
This film boasts some of the most memorable dialogue in movie history, delivered by a stellar ensemble cast including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta, and Lorraine Bracco. Audiences will also recognize early performances from Michael Imperioli and Tony Sirico, who later achieved television fame in The Sopranos, and Samuel L Jackson, prior to his ascent to Hollywood stardom with Pulp Fiction.
Adding a layer of authenticity, the production even featured individuals with genuine connections to organized crime, such as Louis Eppolito, a former NYPD officer infamously involved in mafia contract killings.
Unveiling the Film: ‘Goodfellas’
The movie in question is, undoubtedly, Goodfellas. Released in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece holds an impressive 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.7 out of 10 score on IMDb, solidifying its critical and popular acclaim.
Goodfellas chronicles the true story of Italian-American mobsters operating in and around New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. The narrative centers on Henry Hill, a mobster-turned-informant whose life story inspired the film. The movie opens with Hill’s now-legendary declaration: “As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster.”
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(The real Henry Hill entered the Witness Protection Program after becoming an FBI informant but was subsequently expelled for repeated breaches of his anonymity and continued engagement in illegal activities.)
The film vividly portrays Hill’s relationships with key mafia figures such as James Burke (portrayed as Jimmy Conway by Robert De Niro) and Thomas DeSimone (played by Joe Pesci). Both were associates of the Lucchese crime family, one of New York’s notorious “Five Families” that dominated organized crime in the city.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy
Despite missing out on the Best Picture Oscar to Dances With Wolves, Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas has since become recognized as a timeless cinematic classic in the decades following its initial release.
Ben Sherlock from Screen Rant describes Goodfellas as “both a wildly entertaining gangster movie and a sobering cautionary tale warning against a life of crime.” David Denby, writing for New York magazine, hailed it as “the greatest film ever made about the sensual and monetary lure of crime,” praising its immersive and impactful storytelling.
Hal Lipper of the Tampa Bay Times lauded it as “an unparalleled achievement, the most chilling and savagely droll account of mob life ever recorded on film”.
‘Goodfellas’ Versus ‘The Godfather’: A Matter of Preference?
When comparing Goodfellas to The Godfather, the latter technically scores slightly higher on review aggregators, boasting a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 9.2 out of 10 on IMDb. This suggests a general consensus that both films are exceptional works of cinema.
However, Ed Power, writing for The Independent on the 30th anniversary of Goodfellas in 2020, posits that it remains “still the greatest gangster movie ever made,” highlighting its unique appeal. Power points to the film’s surprising humor amidst its dark subject matter, noting its record number of profanities (over 300 “f-bombs”) while emphasizing its comedic elements.
Power argues that this comedic aspect is what sets Goodfellas apart from gangster epics like The Godfather and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America, which he characterizes as “austere gangster epics, caught up in their own tragic grandeur.” In contrast, “Goodfellas is, by contrast, a hoot, a caper, a romp,” with many scenes possessing a distinctly comedic tone.
He explains, “Scorsese understood the best way to reel in an audience into this dark and unpleasant world was with jokes and absurdist riffs,” citing examples like “Morris ‘Morrie’ Kessler’s gonzo wig commercials,” “The exasperation of Henry’s mob pals as he separates from his wife,” and “Hill’s cocaine-fuelled paranoia in the movie’s closing third.”
Power further notes the film’s audaciousness, recalling audience walkouts during early screenings of the violent opening scene where Tommy stabs Billy Batts. Scorsese ultimately reduced the number of stabs to mitigate the audience reaction.
Despite receiving six Academy Award nominations, Goodfellas secured only one win: Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci.
Where to Watch ‘Goodfellas’
Goodfellas is currently available for streaming on platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play for £3.49. It is also accessible with a Now premium subscription.