Episode 53 : Goodfellas

The Season Two Finale is here! GOODFELLAS (1990) is one of the most beloved Martin Scorsese films. By using exhilarating visuals and condensed, fast-paced storytelling, this monumental mob chronicle never loses its boldness. Scorsese’s artistic integrity brings to life this terrifyingly honest and engaging portrayal of a blue collar crime world.

▶️Quick ‘lil Season Two Blooper Reel!

▶️Synopsis: This is the true story of Henry Hill being molded by the mob, starting out as a kid and moving up the ranks. With the world working for him and living a life of excess, Hill spirals down into a world of drugs, unraveling his marriage, success and turning on the crime family who created him.

⏩⏩Discussions include: The collaborative adaptation of transforming this novel to film, truth vs. fiction, Scorsese’s connection and ability to capture an intricate reality via stylistic influences, rapid-fire storytelling, voiceovers, tonal changes and trustworthy relationships with his actors and editor; use of purposeful violence; how spot-on casting captured true-to-life performances; memorable scenes and an overview of Scorsese’s gangster-heavy film career. **Starring Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino. Directed by Martin Scorsese.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Lindsay’s Pick, CAPE FEAR (1991): A lawyer knowingly withholds evidence, resulting in his dangerous client’s imprisonment. After he’s released, the vendetta-having, convicted sex offender stalks and seeks to ruin his former attorney’s life and family. **Starring Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis. Directed by Martin Scorsese.**

—Justin’s Pick, GRACE OF MY HEART (1996): A newly-discovered singer/songwriter finds her footing in the music industry, encountering professional and personal roadblocks, all resulting in an eventual payoff. **Starring Illeana Douglas, John Turturro, Matt Dillon, Eric Stoltz, Patsy Kensit. Directed by Allison Anders.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Multiple pizza-related stories lead us to the time Scorsese’s mom, Catherine, made her legendary homemade pizza for Billy.

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: GOODFELLAS losing to Dances With Wolves at the Oscars and the film’s murderous, yet moving montage to “Layla.”

▶️Thank you to everyone for listening, downloading, following and interacting with us for this podcast! Our gratitude runs deep. We’ll be back on June 2nd, 2020, with our Season Three opener — The Babysitter Double Feature!