Even after almost thirty years, Martin Scorsese’s classic, Goodfellas, remains one of the most rewatchable films ever. The goal of the film was to showcase the true reality of the mafia life, where these guys aren’t the heroes they’ve been portrayed like in the past. The story of Henry Hill, a former gangster turned informant, gave viewers an unflinching look at how dangerous this life can be, despite them looking like kings.
While the film is entertaining from start to finish, it manages to still be very accurate to the story. That being said, there were certain aspects of the story that weren’t shown or just completely changed, most likely for dramatic purposes. Here are ten things that Goodfellas changed from the real story.
Henry Wasn't As Charismatic As He's Portrayed
In Goodfellas, Henry Hill is shown to be a smooth-talking womanizer who knows how to get what he wants. That’s pretty easy to show when you’re being played by the handsome and charismatic Ray Liotta. In reality, however, Henry was just a constant screw-up who just made mistake after mistake.
He didn’t necessarily have everything under control as the film would have you believe, which led him to become a drug addict and alcoholic. The movie does show him spiraling out of control towards the end, but this was his lifestyle throughout most of his time in the mob.
Karen And Henry Had A Son Named Greg
Henry and Karen’s relationship is at the center of this tale. As the film progresses, their marriage eventually deteriorates since Henry wasn’t the loyal husband she thought he was. The film shows that they had two daughters.
In actuality, Karen and Henry had a daughter named Gina and a son named Greg. It’s not quite certain why the writers chose to omit Greg from the story. Although it could have been due to Greg himself, who didn’t want his story being told. In the years since the movie, Greg has not been shy about discussing who his father was.
Last Names Were Changed For Paulie, Tommy, and Jimmy
Three out of the five major characters, Paulie, Tommy, and Jimmy, all had their last names changed in the film, which is typical in movies based on true stories. Tommy DeVito is actually Tommy DeSimone. Paul “Paulie” Cicero’s real name was Paul Vario. Last but not least, Jimmy Conway’s real last name was Burke.
Due to their notorious crimes, it makes sense why they may need to change some notable details. However, it’s speculated that Jimmy Burke did not want his real name used in the film because he was having a parole hearing not long after and the movie might ruin his chances.
The Air France Heist Was Planned Differently
Air France was one of the major robberies in the film. Paulie’s crew ends up stealing over $500,000. However, the way they achieved success required a bit more preparation than the movie showed. In the movie, the crew obtained the security keys for the vault from Robert “Frenchy” McMahon.
McMahon actually just tipped them off in real life. What they actually did was steal the keys from a guard who couldn’t be bribed. After a few weeks of surveillance, it was discovered that this security guard had a weakness for women. The guys got him super drunk and drove him to a motel where a prostitute was waiting. When he was distracted, they were able to lift the keys from his pants.
Henry Wanted Out Multiple Times
As far back as he could remember, Henry always wanted to be a gangster. This legendary quote is true to the story, but the film is structured as if Henry was fully invested in the mob since he was thirteen. The real Henry actually wanted out multiple times throughout his life, though. He even joined the Air Force in 1960 to escape but ended up back in it.
Hill has gone on to say that he lived in fear almost every day of his life. He tried going legitimate by purchasing a club called The Suite, which did not work. Henry’s decision to give up Jimmy and Paulie makes much more sense when looking at how he actually felt most of the time.
Tommy and Henry Didn't Grow Up Together
To set things up easier, the film shows that Tommy and Henry and grew up together since they were teenagers after being introduced by Jimmy, eventually becoming close partners in crime. Tommy DeSimone was actually about seven years younger and didn’t meet Henry (22 at the time) until he was 15.
He pretty much worked under Henry, Jimmy, and Paulie for a long time before becoming a major player in the mafia. When first meeting Tommy, Henry said that he looked like a “skinny kid who was wearing a wiseguy suit and a pencil mustache.”
Paulie Was Actually A Violent And Vicious Person
Paul “Paulie” Cicero is portrayed in the movie as an understanding father figure and mentor to Henry. He still has an intimidating presence but only because he’s the boss. In real life, Paul Vario was an extremely violent individual with a huge temper.
Paul was a made man in the Lucchese Crime Family, allowing him to run his own crew in Brooklyn. He never hesitated to attack those who slightly wronged him. In an interview, Henry mentioned that Paul had once beaten a female server with a baseball bat since she threatened to tell Paulie’s wife about their affair.
Tommy’s Violent Side Was Toned Down Compared To Real Life
The movie didn’t necessarily get this wrong but they definitely toned down the real Tommy DeSimone, which is saying a lot since his character was already scary enough. Who can forget the now-iconic “What do you mean I'm funny?” scene. Henry admits that he was genuinely terrified of Tommy, describing him as a “coked-out psychopath.
Tommy was known for his temper that could go off at any moment. He would even kill people just to try out a new firearm. Henry recounted a disturbing story where they were walking down the street and out of nowhere, Tommy decided to shoot and kill a random stranger for just pure enjoyment.
Billy Batts’ Murder Was Planned
One of the most famous scenes in the movie is the confrontation between Billy Batts and Tommy. “Now go get your f****n shine box.” The movie shows Batts’s murder as a spur of the moment where Tommy’s ego gets the better of him.
This confrontation did happen at one time, except Batts was killed a few weeks later. While Batts was in prison for six-years, Jimmy had taken over the loan-shark business. Now that Batts was out, Jimmy feared he’d have to give it back. Tommy and Jimmy planned to take him out at Henry’s bar, The Suite, implicating Henry in the process. Batts was also never shot to death as the introduction shows. Instead, he was stabbed numerous times according to Henry.
Tommy’s Murder Remains Unsolved
In the film, Henry states that they shot Tommy in the face so his mother couldn't give him an open casket. However, Tommy’s body has actually never been found and his disappearance remains unsolved to this day. The movie portrays it as revenge for Billy Batts’s murder, who was a made man and deemed untouchable. This is definitely plausible since Batts was good friends with the notorious mobster, John Gotti.
There are multiple theories as to what could have happened. One has to do with a lover Tommy had, who may or may not have been an FBI informant and had stolen $250,000. Another much more convoluted scenario is that Tommy had attempted to sexually assault Karen while Henry was in prison. Karen then told Paul Vario, whom she was having an alleged affair with. Paul then told Gotti about Batts, as well as many other stories.