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Director - Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Casino) Screen Writer - Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi Producer - Irvin Winkler (Rocky, Raging Bull) Cinematographer - Michael Ballhouse (Bram Stokers, The age of Innocence) Editor - Thelma Schoonmaker Cast List
Martin Scorsese Continues where he left off with Raging Bull earlier in his life and continues to pry into the lives of people that we would never want to be exposed to. Based on the book 'Wise guy' by screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas is a close look at the life of mafia bosses concentrating on Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, and his ever involvement with the mob from a young child. The film starts off with a look into Henry's earlier life when all he lived for was to become a Gangster. The use of the voice-over instantaneously transports us into Henry's world and we quickly begin to understand the reasons why such a life attracted him. The film is littered with comical moments, fantastic speeches and necessary violence. Joe Pesci starring in one of his most powerful and breathtaking roles to this day, had glimpses of a loving man when seen with his loving mother (played by Scorsese' mother) and then to a psychotic killer. His role is most memorable with the speech involving a young boy named Spider. The script is so tightly made and well structured that it links in so well with what we are seeing on screen. The words from Joe Pesci's mouth are mesmerizing and so convincing. "Funny How????............Like a Clown??? Robert De Niro is a very mysterious character at the begining but as the film progresses his involvement with the film and the characters on screen increases. As always his portrayal of a Gangster is Oscar Quality and he improves on an already impressive film. This film has to be one of the greatest of the 90's and it will always be on the Classic Shelf. If this film is ever on TV or you can purchase on Video, then I would recommend taping or buying it as you will not be dissapointed.
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