GoodFellas
Too many wiseguys around these days.
Goodfellas is probably considered Martin Scorsese's magnum opus. A thrilling, gritty and unabashed portrayal of the mafia that shows both the incredible highs and devastating lows of gangster life. Scorsese doesn't glorify these people; rather he provides us with a cautionary tale of this chaotic and seductive world until it all comes crashing down like a freight train.
The cinematography is incredible. The camera moves with elegance and style; much like the fast-paced and glamorous lives of these gangsters. Seamless long takes sweep you away into this extravagant world whilst intense close ups and innovative camera angles keep you feeling paranoid and stressed. The colours and lighting are also amazing. It's vibrant but moody palette mirroring the harsh reality hiding within this lifestyle very well.
Ray Liotta is amazing. His exciteable and conflicted performance showcasing his ambition for power; commanding the screen through cunning charm and paranoid physicality. Robert DeNiro is impeccable. His performance is both jovial and chilling; calculating every move with intensity. Whilst not as terrifying as Joe Pesci; he brings a subtle viciousness to the role.
Joe Pesci is a force of nature. His darkly comic but volatile performance steals every single scene. His ruthlessness is only accentuated by his unpredictability; making him one of the most compelling but terrifying character in film. Lorraine Bracco is fantastic. Her defiant but emotionally complex performance rivals many of the men; elevating the 'gangster's wife' into tragic but strong-willed woman.
Paul Sorvino is great. He communicates so much power through such a reserved performance; letting his imposing prescence and stoic nature command the screen. Also wanted to highlight Chuck Low and Frank Vincent performances. Both play smarmy and pathetic men so well that you can't help but admire their tenacity. Love seeing Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico and Vincent Pastore who would eventually be on The Sopranos.
The soundtrack is wonderful. It's authentic and seminal arrangements of styles completely sweep you away into the mafia world. Whether it be Rags to Riches, traditional Italian crooner songs or the amazing Layla and Sunshine of Your Love; you are transported into the 50's-70's in such a elegant manner as each song elevates the scenes they accompany.
The editing is also fantastic. Much of it replicates Henry Hill's rise and fall in organised crime; starting off quite clean and precise and becoming more jarring and erratic as he succumbs into drugs and paranoia.
There really isn't much more I can say about Goodfellas. It's one of the best gangster films put to screen and solidified Scorsese as one of the greatest directors of all time.
10/10