Written by Ashli Durkee
Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
GoodFellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a cinematic masterpiece that has earned its place as one of the greatest mob movies of all time. Released in 1990, this gritty crime drama is based on the true story of Henry Hill, a former mobster turned informant. GoodFellas takes audiences on a thrilling and harrowing journey through the world of organized crime, providing an in-depth look at the rise and fall of a group of gangsters.
With its exceptional performances, compelling screenplay, and masterful direction, GoodFellas continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. In this article, we will delve into 35 fascinating facts about this iconic film, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes stories, the actors’ experiences, and the impact it has had on popular culture. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to discover some little-known tidbits about GoodFellas!
Key Takeaways:
- “GoodFellas” is a classic crime film released in 1990, featuring iconic quotes, intense scenes, and a gripping storyline. It received critical acclaim and continues to influence filmmakers today.
- The movie’s impact on American cinema, its realistic portrayal of organized crime, and the unforgettable performances of its cast have solidified “GoodFellas” as a true cinematic masterpiece.
GoodFellas was released in 1990.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime film took the world by storm with its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
The screenplay was adapted from the book “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi.
The story of GoodFellas is loosely based on real events and characters, as depicted in Pileggi’s non-fiction book.
Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta starred in the film.
The trio delivered unforgettable performances, solidifying their places in movie history.
The film is known for its iconic quotes.
From “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster” to “Funny how? Like I’m a clown? I amuse you?”, the dialogue in GoodFellas is frequently referenced and quoted.
GoodFellas was nominated for six Academy Awards.
The film secured nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Lorraine Bracco), Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing at the 63rd Academy Awards.
Joe Pesci won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Pesci’s portrayal of the unpredictable and volatile Tommy DeVito earned him critical acclaim and the coveted Oscar statuette.
The film features the infamous “Layla” piano exit scene.
As the bodies pile up, the sound of Derek and the Dominos‘ “Layla” plays in the background, creating a chilling juxtaposition.
Martin Scorsese’s mother plays a small role in the film.
Catherine Scorsese appears as Tommy DeVito’s mother, making her performance a family affair.
The real-life Henry Hill makes a cameo appearance.
The infamous mobster turned informant, on whom the film is partially based, appears as a minor character.
GoodFellas ranked #92 on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest American films.
The movie’s impact on American cinema solidified its place among the all-time classics.
The film’s famous tracking shot through the Copacabana nightclub was achieved by using a Steadicam.
This iconic scene, which follows Henry and Karen through the bustling club, remains one of the most memorable sequences in film history.
GoodFellas has been praised for its realistic portrayal of organized crime.
The film provides an unflinching look into the inner workings of the mafia and the consequences of a life of crime.
The soundtrack features an iconic collection of songs from the era.
From The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” to The Crystals’ “Then He Kissed Me,” the music enhances the storytelling and atmosphere of the film.
GoodFellas inspired numerous other crime films that followed.
The movie’s impact can be seen in later works, such as The Departed and Casino, both directed by Martin Scorsese as well.
The film’s original title was “Wise Guy.”
However, it was changed to avoid confusion with the TV series “Wiseguy.”
GoodFellas has a runtime of 146 minutes.
The lengthy film immerses viewers in the intricate world of the mob, exploring both its glamour and brutality.
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $46 million at the box office.
GoodFellas resonated with audiences and became a cultural phenomenon upon its release.
Some scenes in the film were improvised.
The talented cast added their own touches to certain scenes, contributing to the authenticity of the performances.
GoodFellas features a voiceover narration by Ray Liotta’s character, Henry Hill.
The narration provides insights into Henry’s inner thoughts and his perspective on the events unfolding on screen.
The movie explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions.
GoodFellas delves into the complex dynamics of friendships within the mafia and the far-reaching implications of choices made.
The film is known for its intense and violent scenes.
From the infamous “Funny how?” scene to the shocking violence that erupts throughout the story, GoodFellas doesn’t shy away from depicting the dark side of the criminal underworld.
GoodFellas was deemed “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress.
The film’s impact on cinema and its lasting cultural influence solidified its preservation in the National Film Registry.
The character of Jimmy Conway was based on real-life mobster Jimmy Burke.
Burke’s involvement in the infamous Lufthansa heist served as inspiration for the thrilling subplot in GoodFellas.
The film’s editing style is fast-paced and dynamic.
The rapid cuts and quick transitions employed by editor Thelma Schoonmaker contribute to the film’s energetic and engaging narrative.
GoodFellas holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest crime movies ever made.
The script for GoodFellas went through multiple revisions.
Screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi worked closely with Martin Scorsese to ensure the story was finely crafted and authentic.
The film’s production budget was approximately $25 million.
The investment paid off, as GoodFellas became a critical and commercial success.
GoodFellas is based on true events and real-life characters.
While some aspects of the story were fictionalized for dramatic effect, the movie draws heavily from the criminal underworld of the 1960s and 1970s.
The film’s cinematography captures the gritty atmosphere of the era.
Michael Ballhaus’ expert camera work immerses viewers in the streets of New York and captures the essence of the time period.
GoodFellas is known for its expert storytelling structure.
The non-linear narrative keeps audiences engaged and invested in the characters’ fates.
The movie’s final shot features a close-up of Ray Liotta’s face.
This haunting image leaves viewers with a lasting impression of Henry Hill’s journey and the consequences of his choices.
GoodFellas was a critical darling upon its release.
The film was praised for its direction, performances, and its ability to depict the allure and dangers of the mob lifestyle.
GoodFellas is often compared to other acclaimed crime films such as The Godfather and Scarface.
The movie holds its own among these cinematic classics and has carved out a unique place in the genre.
The film’s success resulted in a surge of interest in mob-related narratives.
GoodFellas revitalized the gangster genre and inspired a new wave of crime films in the early 1990s.
GoodFellas remains a cultural touchstone and continues to influence filmmakers to this day.
The film’s impact on popular culture and its enduring legacy solidify its status as a true cinematic masterpiece.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GoodFellas is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. With its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and iconic scenes, it has solidified its place as one of the greatest movies of all time. From the impeccable direction of Martin Scorsese to the brilliant performances of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, GoodFellas is a masterclass in filmmaking.
The film’s attention to detail, realistic portrayal of the mob, and unforgettable characters make it an absolute must-watch for any movie enthusiast. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply appreciate exceptional storytelling, GoodFellas delivers on every level.
So, if you haven’t seen this cinematic masterpiece yet, do yourself a favor and grab a bowl of pasta, sit back, and immerse yourself in the enthralling world of GoodFellas. You won’t be disappointed.
FAQs
Q: Who directed GoodFellas?
A: GoodFellas was directed by Martin Scorsese, one of the most renowned directors in the history of cinema.
Q: Is GoodFellas based on a true story?
A: Yes, GoodFellas is based on the book “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi, which depicts the true story of mobster Henry Hill and his life in the Italian-American crime syndicate.
Q: When was GoodFellas released?
A: GoodFellas was released on September 19, 1990.
Q: What awards did GoodFellas receive?
A: GoodFellas received six Academy Award nominations and won the Best Supporting Actor category for Joe Pesci’s unforgettable performance as Tommy DeVito.
Q: What is the running time of GoodFellas?
A: The running time of GoodFellas is approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes.
If you're fascinated by the masterful direction of Martin Scorsese, delve into our article exploring 33 captivating facts about this legendary filmmaker. For a nostalgic journey through the final decade of the 20th century, check out our highlights of the 1990s. And if you can't get enough of gripping crime dramas, don't miss our piece on 47 intriguing facts about the neo-noir classic, L.A. Confidential.
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