Goodfellas Movie Review 1990

Quintessential picture about "wiseguys," at turns both violent and funny. A young man grows up in the mob, works hard to advance himself through the ranks, and enjoys the life of the rich and violent, oblivious to the horror of which he is a part. Cocaine addiction and many wiseguy missteps ultimately unravel his climb to the top. Excellent performances (particularly Liotta and Pesci, with De Niro pitching in around the corners), with visionary cinematography and careful pacing. Watch for Scorsese's mom as Pesci's mom. Based on the life of Henry Hill, ex-mobster now in the Witness Protection Program. Adapted from the book by Nicholas Pileggi.

Distribution

Baker & Taylor Inc., 2709 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 500, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: (704)357-3500, Toll-free: 800-775-1800, Email: btinfo@btol.com, URL: http://www.btol.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 146 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Crime Drama, Organized Crime, True Stories, Buddies, Corporate Shenanigans, New York, New York, Gangs, Screen Teams: De Niro & Pesci, Edibles, Director/Star Teams: Scorsese & De Niro, Books to Film: Nicholas Pileggi, Witness Protection Program, Biopics: Cops & Robbers, 4 Bones

Screenplay

Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorsese

Cast

Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Paul Sorvino, Lorraine Bracco, Frank Sivero, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent, Samuel L. Jackson, Tony Darrow, Chuck Low, Frank DiLeo, Christopher Serrone, Illeana Douglas, Debi Mazar, Michael Imperioli, Peter Onorati, Beau Starr, Angela Pietropinto, Joseph (Joe) D'Onofrio, Jerry Vale, Henny Youngman, Catherine Scorsese

Cinematography

Michael Ballhaus

Director

Martin Scorsese

Producer

Irwin Winkler, Warner Bros.

Awards

Oscars 1990: Support. Actor (Pesci); AFI 1998: Top 100; British Acad. 1990: Adapt. Screenplay, Director (Scorsese), Film; L.A. Film Critics 1990: Cinematog., Director (Scorsese), Film, Support. Actor (Pesci), Support. Actress (Bracco); Natl. Bd. of Review 1990: Support. Actor (Pesci), Natl. Film Reg. 2000;; N.Y. Film Critics 1990: Actor (De Niro), Director (Scorsese), Film; Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1990: Director (Scorsese), Film.