Goodfellas (1990)
As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster.
Presentation:
Martin Scorsese delivers a more fun take on the gangster drama but with all the epic coming of age and character development of an anti hero. It’s fun, entertaining, jolly, but has reprehensibly dark material of a gangster film. Scorsese utilizes narration for this film to let us know it’s Ray Liotta’s point of view. His performance is compelling and he is even more charismatic than poster child Robert DeNiro. The film doesn’t necessarily take itself seriously or present itself as pretentiously or self important like the classic gangster films, which I think make it stand out and set the tone for many 90s films. Although Liotta can be both endearing and reprehensible, Lorrain Bracco’s character is such a loyal emotional anchor for the film that you kinda want to see them both succeed.
Conclusion:
This is also one of the best gangster films but it largely depends on your taste. Some want a more serious film some want a lighthearted approach. It really feels as though The Irishman recycles this entire film in a polished and modern way, but this is one is just more fun while also having enough substance. This one is based on a true story. I think the best gangster films incorporate territory wars and ambition of legacy, not just personal gain, which is why I think none of them really surpass The Godfather. But this one glorifies the life and make you kinda want a taste of that life despite the inevitable conclusion.
Recommendations
One does not simply get revenge on Billy the Butcher.