Goodfellas (1990)

Last updated:
May 4, 2025

Detailed Summary

“Goodfellas,” directed by Martin Scorsese, is a crime drama based on the true story of Henry Hill and his life in the mob. The film is adapted from Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction book “Wiseguy.”

Rise of Henry Hill

The film follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) from his teenage years in the 1950s through his rise and fall in the mafia. Henry starts as a small-time criminal, idolizing the local gangsters in his Brooklyn neighborhood. He eventually works his way up, becoming involved with the Lucchese crime family, led by Paul “Paulie” Cicero (Paul Sorvino).

Becoming a Wiseguy

Henry partners with Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). Together, they engage in various illegal activities, including hijacking trucks, loan sharking, and drug dealing. Henry marries Karen (Lorraine Bracco), who becomes complicit in his criminal lifestyle.

The Lufthansa Heist

One of their biggest scores is the Lufthansa heist, where they steal millions from the JFK Airport. However, the success leads to paranoia and violence, as Jimmy starts eliminating anyone who could potentially implicate them.

Tommy’s Fate

Tommy’s violent tendencies catch up with him when he is killed by the mob as retribution for murdering a made man, Billy Batts. This event underscores the brutal realities of mob life and shakes Henry’s confidence in the stability of their world.

Downfall and Betrayal

Henry’s drug addiction and reckless behavior draw the attention of the FBI. After a failed drug deal and fearing for his life, Henry decides to become an informant, betraying his former associates to save himself and his family.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Henry entering the Witness Protection Program. He laments the loss of his former lifestyle, now living as an ordinary “schnook.” The film closes with real-life footage of Henry Hill’s testimony, revealing the true extent of his criminal activities and the impact of his betrayal on the mob.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Goodfellas” does not have any post-credits scenes. The film ends conclusively with Henry Hill’s new life in witness protection.

Type of Movie

“Goodfellas” is a crime drama that delves into the world of organized crime, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and the American Dream’s darker side. It is known for its realistic portrayal of mafia life, dynamic storytelling, and stylistic direction.

Cast

Ray Liotta as Henry Hill
Robert De Niro as James “Jimmy” Conway
Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito
Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill
Paul Sorvino as Paul “Paulie” Cicero
Frank Sivero as Frankie Carbone
Tony Darrow as Sonny Bunz
Mike Starr as Frenchy

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack for “Goodfellas” was curated by Martin Scorsese, featuring a wide range of music from the 1950s to the 1980s, including tracks by Tony Bennett, The Rolling Stones, and Derek and the Dominos. The music helps to set the tone and period of the film.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in various locations that added authenticity to the story:

New York City: Many street scenes and exterior shots, capturing the urban environment of the mob’s operations.
Long Island, New York: Suburban scenes, including the homes of Henry Hill and his associates.
Queens, New York: Depicts the day-to-day life of Henry Hill and the neighborhoods influenced by the mob.

These locations were crucial in creating the film’s immersive and realistic setting.

Awards and Nominations

“Goodfellas” received several awards and nominations, including:

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci, won), Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Supporting Actress (Lorraine Bracco)
BAFTA Awards: Best Director (Martin Scorsese, won), Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay
Golden Globe Awards: Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci), Best Motion Picture – Drama

Behind the Scenes Insights

Interesting Incidents

Joe Pesci’s “Funny how?” scene was improvised, adding to its authenticity and tension.
Ray Liotta’s mother passed away during filming, which added to the emotional intensity of his performance.

Director and Actor Experiences

Martin Scorsese was meticulous about authenticity, involving real-life mobsters in the film’s development.
The cast underwent extensive rehearsals to perfect their roles, creating a natural and dynamic portrayal of their characters.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Nicholas Pileggi’s book “Wiseguy,” which details the true story of Henry Hill and the inner workings of the Lucchese crime family. The film draws heavily from real-life events and figures, providing an authentic depiction of mob life.

Deleted Scenes and Alternate Endings

The team cut several scenes to streamline the narrative, including extended interactions between characters and additional background on minor figures. They did not film any significant alternate endings, as they aimed to keep the story true to real-life events.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film closely follows the book “Wiseguy,” but condenses or alters some details and events for dramatic effect. The book delves deeper into the characters and their criminal activities.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The Opening Scene: Henry, Jimmy, and Tommy disposing of a body, setting the tone for the film.
“Funny how?” Scene: Tommy’s volatile reaction to being called “funny” by Henry.
The Lufthansa Heist: The planning and execution of the massive robbery.
Tommy’s Murder: The shocking and brutal killing of Tommy DeVito.

Iconic Quotes

“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” – Henry Hill
“I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you?” – Tommy DeVito
“Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.” – Jimmy Conway

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of the color red in certain scenes symbolizes violence and danger.
The film’s soundtrack choices often reflect the mood and themes of the scenes they accompany.

Trivia

Joe Pesci’s mother was an extra in the film, appearing in the wedding scene.
The prison cooking scene was inspired by Henry Hill’s real-life experience, showcasing the mob’s influence even behind bars.

Why Watch?

“Goodfellas” is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in the crime genre. Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction, combined with stellar performances from the cast, especially Joe Pesci’s Oscar-winning role, makes it a compelling and immersive experience. The film’s authentic depiction of mafia life, its memorable dialogue, and its influence on popular culture make it a must-watch.

Director’s Other Movies

Martin Scorsese is an acclaimed director with several notable films, including:

Recommended Movies for Fans

The Godfather (1972): Another iconic crime drama exploring the rise and fall of a mafia family.
Scarface (1983): A film that follows the rise and fall of a Cuban immigrant turned drug lord in Miami.
Casino (1995): Also directed by Martin Scorsese, it follows the rise and fall of a casino manager in Las Vegas, featuring similar themes and style to “Goodfellas.”