Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) is a gripping crime drama based on the real-life experiences of Henry Hill, as chronicled in Nicholas Pileggi’s 1985 book Wiseguy. The film follows Henry Hill’s rise and fall within organized crime, detailing his associations with powerful mob figures like Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.
Throughout the film, the audience witnesses Henry’s descent from a young man enamored with the gangster lifestyle to an FBI informant forced into hiding. The final act of Goodfellas presents a series of unexpected twists, leading to a dramatic and thought-provoking conclusion.
Despite engaging in various crimes, Paulie Cicero, the mob boss, had one strict rule: no drug dealing. He believed that drug trafficking posed a high risk, making members of his crew vulnerable to law enforcement pressure. Henry, however, violated this rule by engaging in the drug trade while in prison, continuing even after his release. Eventually, Henry’s illicit activities attracted police attention, confirming Paulie’s fears. Feeling betrayed, Paulie severed all ties with Henry and handed him $3,200, signaling the end of their association.
Once Henry was expelled from Paulie’s crew, he found himself vulnerable, with no protection from former allies. He soon realizes that even his close friend Jimmy Conway might have been planning to kill him. When Jimmy attempted to lure Henry into a trap under the guise of a business opportunity in Florida, Henry saw through the deception and had no choice but to turn to the FBI for protection. This decision led Henry and his family to enter the witness protection program, requiring him to testify against Paulie and Jimmy, ultimately leading to their convictions.
Goodfellas (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)Deception and Betrayal Shape the Dark Realities of the Goodfellas Underworld
Karen Hill, Henry’s wife, also experienced the dangerous consequences of their mob connections. After Henry was cut off by Paulie, Karen sought help from Jimmy, who pretended to be supportive. He attempted to lure her into an abandoned store under the pretense of giving her expensive dresses. However, Karen sensed the danger and quickly fled. She later informed Henry of Jimmy’s suspicious actions, reinforcing their belief that they had become targets and solidifying their decision to cooperate with the FBI.
Tommy DeVito, the most unpredictable and violent member of the trio, met his demise in a shocking twist. Unlike Henry and Jimmy, Tommy was fully Italian and eligible to become a “made man,” a prestigious position within the Mafia. However, his murder of Billy Batts, a made man from the Gambino crime family, sealed his fate. When Tommy arrived for what he thought was his initiation ceremony, he was instead executed as retribution for Batts’ unsanctioned murder. His death underscored the rigid hierarchy and brutal justice of the Mafia world.
One of the most memorable moments in Goodfellas is Tommy’s final scene, in which he appears to be shooting directly at the camera. This shot is a tribute to the 1903 silent film The Great Train Robbery, which ends with a similar scene. Scorsese acknowledged the homage, drawing a parallel between the lawlessness of both films. This artistic choice serves as a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of crime and its inevitable consequences.
The real individuals behind Goodfellas faced similar fates to their on-screen counterparts. Henry Hill and his wife, Karen, were expelled from the witness protection program due to Henry’s continued criminal behavior. He was arrested multiple times before passing away in 2012.
Jimmy Conway, whose real name was Jimmy Burke, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, where he died of cancer in 1996. Paulie Cicero, based on Paul Vario, was convicted of racketeering and died in prison in 1988. Despite their notoriety, none of them were ever officially charged for the Lufthansa heist.
Goodfellas (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)A Controversial Yet Unforgettable Ending That Redefines Crime Film Narratives
The ending of Goodfellas has been widely analyzed for its departure from traditional storytelling. The film concludes with Henry lamenting his mundane life in witness protection, longing for the power and excitement of his past. Roger Ebert praised this ending, noting its honesty in portraying Henry’s continued nostalgia for the gangster lifestyle despite its dangers. The film’s refusal to offer a redemptive arc for Henry added to its raw realism, making it one of the most impactful crime films ever made.
Not all critics embraced the Goodfellas ending. Some, like Maurizio Viano, argued that the film’s final moments lacked moral resolution. Instead of a lesson learned, Henry’s story ends with him missing his past rather than regretting his actions. This ambiguity led some viewers to feel betrayed, as it defied the traditional expectation of a clear moral takeaway. However, this very complexity has contributed to Goodfellas’ enduring status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Decades after its release, Goodfellas remains a benchmark in gangster cinema. Its intricate storytelling, dynamic characters, and unfiltered depiction of mob life continue to captivate audiences. The film’s ending, with its controversial yet thought-provoking approach, ensures that discussions surrounding Goodfellas remain alive. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or an exploration of unrepentant criminality, Goodfellas stands as one of Martin Scorsese’s finest achievements, solidifying its place in film history.
