Director Steven Spielberg praises Goodfellas as a masterpiece. Spielberg is one of the most renowned directors of all time, bringing audiences classic films like Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Schindler's List. Schindler's List saw Spielberg nab his first Academy Award for Best Director, which he would go on to win a second time for Saving Private Ryan. However, he has been nominated for the award eight times, including for E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Munich. So with such a lauded career, Spielberg's words carry weight when praising another filmmaker's work.
In an essay Spielberg penned for Variety, he details his love for Martin Scorses's 1990 gangster film Goodfellas, calling it an "epic cinematic masterpiece." He praises the cast, the script, Scorsese, and even the depiction of food, pointing to the movie's perfect balance of attributes as "a master class" in filmmaking. And while Goodfellas remains one of Scorsese's top-rated films, Spielberg is keen to let people know just how well-crafted the finished product is. Check out Spielberg's comments on Goodfellas below:
Henry Hill, Jimmy the Gent, Tommy DeVito, Paulie, Karen, Billy Batts, the Lufthansa heist … all someone has to do is mention some of these names and I get the sudden and irresistible urge to watch Martin Scorsese’s "Goodfellas" again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve experienced this epic cinematic masterpiece, which includes a brilliant screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese, and one of cinema history’s greatest acting ensembles: De Niro, Pesci, Liotta, and some of the most memorable supporting roles ever — from Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Chuck Low and Tony Darrow to Catherine and Charles Scorsese … there are no background performances in "Goodfellas."
It’s no longer a guilty pleasure to sit for 2 hours and 26 minutes, but rather a master class for any aspiring filmmaker who wants to see a breathtaking balancing act of multiple storylines, timelines, shocking violence and violent humor. The film has an intoxicating energy expressed not only through masterful editing, but also the greatest needle-drop score since "American Graffiti" and the best spoken narrative since Billy Wilder’s "Double Indemnity."
Why Goodfellas Has Stood The Test Of Time
Goodfellas is a unique example of a film that has withstood the test of time, remaining relevant with audiences over 30 years later. While Spielberg's comments about a perfectly crafted film ring true, Goodfellas didn't have an easy start. The film is said to have had disastrous test screenings, which caused almost 70 people to walk out due to the film's extreme violence. Because of the audience's reaction during the test screenings, Scorses found himself battling with the studio up until the film's release about the content. Even beyond the violence, he was pressured to cut the runtime down, with scenes like the dinner with DeVito's mom being put on the chopping block due to its length. However, Scorsese was able to save that scene and re-edit others into what was ultimately released.
After release, Goodfellas found itself praised by critics and audiences, earning six Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture. Unfortunately, the film only won a single Oscar, with Joe Pesci taking home Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Tommy DeVito. However, the film took on a new life with audiences, becoming a frequently rewatched and often quoted movie. Scenes from the film are instantly recognizable, like DeVito's tense "funny how" outburst or the Copacabana tracking shot, making its impact on the zeitgeist even more notable.
Beyond resonating with audiences, Goodfellas has found itself regarded as a classic. Even in Spielberg's own words, he compared the film to The Godfather, putting it in the upper echelon of gangster movies alongside notable entries like Pacino's Scarface, The Untouchables, and even Scorsese's own work in films like Casino. So while Goodfellas may have had a troubled road to the screen, it has undoubtedly stood the test of time with audiences, including Spielberg, still watching it today.
Source: Variety