Gangster Movie That Could Have Earned Scorsese His Oscar on Max
Every film aficionado knows Martin Scorsese‘s infamous Academy Award snubbing, which lasted nearly 30 years. The master director has helmed several Oscar-worthy movies that have left a significant imprint on cinema history. Notable films like Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), and Gangs of New York (2002) all landed the New York City native on the red carpet with a Best Director nomination. Yet, inexplicably, he remained empty-handed as others delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches, thanking everyone from the Academy to their kids at home who “should be asleep by now.” It wasn’t until 2006 and the magnificent Boston-based mafia film The Departed that he would finally walk away with his own golden statue. While many of his earlier films deserved the accolade, one stands out as a glaring omission for Best Director much sooner.
Goodfellas is, by many accounts, the best gangster movie ever made, and is now available to stream on Max. This assertion includes a comparison with Francis Ford Coppola‘s iconic The Godfather and its sequels. In 1990, Scorsese had to endure over two hours of anticipation before witnessing Kevin Costner take home the top prize for the sweeping Western Dances With Wolves. It should have been Goodfellas, and we are ready to passionately argue for the merits of this epic mob masterpiece to drive home this point.
Scorsese Masterfully Crafted ‘Goodfellas’ as the Ultimate Gangster Film
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is a perfect mob film. It showcases a masterclass in pacing and narration, pioneering techniques like zoom-in cuts, and features perfect casting that elevates the entire film. There’s nothing wrong or anachronistic about it. Even the needle drops are spectacularly ideal; particularly the haunting death montage scene after Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) ties up all the loose ends from the Lufthansa job, while Tommy Devito (Joe Pesci) meets his end to Derek and the Dominos‘ “Layla (Piano Exit)”. You can genuinely feel it in your gut when the music intertwines with the visuals so seamlessly. This unforgettable moment is a memory that lingers long after leaving the theater.
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The first ingredient of such an influential movie is for Scorsese to feature his two favorite muses, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, deftly accompanied by tour-de-force performances from newcomers Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. Scorsese plays a critical role in selecting his cast, so he deserves recognition for his exceptional choices. The character development is unparalleled and tactful, ranging from the four leads down to the “meet the crew” one-take shot at the Copacabana club, featuring characters like “Jimmy Two Times” and “Freddy No Nose.” These well-dressed criminals make the audience feel like they are immersed in a similar experience as the players, blurring the lines between viewer and character.
‘Goodfellas’ Redefines the Mafia Genre with Iconic Scenes
Scorsese gives us the two best scenes in the long history of gangster films. Known by several names like “Funny like a clown?” or “I amuse you!?” the scene featuring Tommy holding court at the Copa is undeniably the best and most organic-feeling mobster exchange ever captured on film. This iconic moment was born from a suggestion made by Pesci on the day of the shoot, and it worked out brilliantly. Scorsese is not only a masterful director but has also earned a reputation for being open and trusting, encouraging collaboration with his on-screen talent.
A close second, or “1-B,” is the unforgettable scene featuring Billy Batts (Frank Vincent) exclaiming, “Now go get your f* shinebox!” This moment is memorable not only for the outstanding acting and the ultra-tense atmosphere established by Scorsese but also because it realistically illustrates the significance of the “honor among gangsters” code. This code is paramount to these violent men who dedicate their lives to earning respect. The audience feels as if they are diving headfirst into the mysterious and often capricious Cosa Nostra code that governs their lives. These types of scenes create some of the most surreal and captivating cinematic experiences.
The True Story Behind Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’
If there needed to be more proof that Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is the greatest directorial effort ever, remember that he was constrained by the real-life events surrounding the infamous Lufthansa heist. Goodfellas is based on Nicholas Pileggi‘s inspiring novel Wise Guy: Life in a Mafia Family. This seminal work not only served as the foundation for the film but also imposed limitations on Scorsese’s creative direction with the main characters. Despite these constraints, he successfully developed and curated a captivating cinematic experience that resonates with audiences.
As challenging as it must have been for Scorsese to graciously applaud Kevin Costner and others who had their names announced instead of his over the years, devoted fans of Tinseltown recognize which film truly deserved the accolades that night—one that has endured and maintained its relevance for over 35 years since its release.
- Release Date
- September 12, 1990
- Director
- Martin Scorsese
- Runtime
- 145 minutes
- Writers
- Nicholas Pileggi , Martin Scorsese
- Studio
- Warner Bros.
Goodfellas is available to stream on MAX in the U.S.
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