'As Far Back As I Can Remember...'

Rating: Null/10 (5 May 2004)

Just how Martin Scorsese - arguably one of the most influential directors of modern cinema - has been overlooked for the Best Director Oscar after over thirty years of filmmaking is beyond me. Seminal films such as 'Taxi Driver' (1976) and 'Raging Bull' (1980) - both notorious, whether justified or not, for their visceral violence - have done more than enough to seal Scorsese's reputation as an acclaimed storyteller and 'Goodfellas' (1990) continues in this tradition. With an opening line of narrated dialogue that any scriptwriter would have loved to have committed to paper (Martin Scorsese co scripted the film), and one destined to be quoted for years to come, the film follows three decades in the life of Henry Hill, an Irish Sicilian who grows up truly under the influence and instruction of the 'family'. As with others of this genre, all the common themes of the Italian mob-scene are there: the loyalty, the respect, the violence, the eventual, some would say inevitable, downfalls and consequences of a life of crime, but ultimately where 'Goodfellas' differs and succeeds compared with the multitude of other Gangster films is its basis in truth - the life and times of a man as he graduates through the ranks and learns his trade. But one of the most important rules of the mafia is don't bite the hand that feeds, and as Henry finds out, a betrayal of Paulie, the man responsible for the life he leads, has disturbing and lasting effects. An aspect that really sets 'Goodfellas' apart is the portrayal of characters by a cast all on top form. Ray Liotta has never been better than as Henry, a Goodfella with a reasonable streak, and the ease at which Robert De Niro portrays the calculating Jimmy is frightening - its almost second nature. Joe Peschi, like De Niro a Scorsese favourite, acts as the heart of the film as the dynamic Tommy - a man all too willing to shoot and maim anyone who dares to cross him. Finally Paul Sorvino as Paulie offers gravitas to the film, with cold, dead eyes saying more than any amount of words. Much of the acting is tough yet realistic, with one standout scene involving Peschi telling Liotta a story in a restaurant. Folklore would have us believe that a majority of the scene is improvised making the unpredictable nature of the film clear and chilling. When speaking of style, 'Goodfellas' has it in abundance and pivotal to this individualistic style is the use of narration. Placed firmly by Henry's side throughout, the actions he takes become almost acceptable - a criticism often levelled at this type of film. A feeling of 'Sympathy For The Devil' if you will. Scorsese's masterful use of kinetic camerawork in the latter stages of the film also does well to reflect the cocaine-fuelled state of mind of our protagonist. One can never be sure of the authenticity of films based on true events but 'Goodfellas' seems at the very least better than most.. A modern classic you'll be reaching for again and again.