Scorsese's Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (26 June 2003)

Martin Scorsese is the greatest living American director, and Goodfellas is clearly his masterpiece. The reason why is because it is essentially a culmination of all the themes and filmic styles he was working with prior to Goodfellas. What makes Goodfellas stands out is the passion which Scorsese displays in every scene. Unlike Casino and Gangs of New York, which were also great movies, Goodfellas has a sense of enjoyment and liveliness amidst all the carnage.
After Goodfellas, Scorsese made plenty of great movies, but nothing he has done since, and prior to Goodfellas, reaches the pinnacle of this miraculous piece of filmmaking.
Long live Scorsese!