'GoodFellas' and BadFellas Spoilers

Of Martin Scorsese's many works as a "sociologist," "Goodfellas" is undoubtedly the most entertaining. Firstly, it tells a mythical story: an alternative outsider who manages to escape the cruel world and successfully defy fate. Secondly, the smooth camera language perfectly matches the rhythm and emotions conveyed by the story, bringing about a thrilling experience of violence that is almost evil. Lastly, it is because of its realism, which is the most wonderful aspect. In a certain sense, it is completely contradictory to myths, yet Scorsese is able to find a delicate balance or combination between the two, showcasing the talent of a master.

Certain interpretations label this narrative as a depiction of the shattered American Dream. However, in this grim reality, the concept of the so-called American Dream holds no ground. There exists no genuine struggle; instead, corruption, violence, and pursuit of profit reign. The more one indulges in corruption, violence, and ruthlessness, the nearer they seem to success. It is difficult to say that this is a mythical tale about the pursuit of the American Dream. In reality, it simply narrates the tale of marginalized individuals surviving within the crevices of society. There's no struggle in the conventional social context, and even the rules of the mafia fail to apply in this scenario.

Henry, Jimmy, and Tommy aren't just marginalized within mainstream society but also within the underworld itself. The true essence of this story lies in the fact that their struggles remain unacknowledged, and their destiny invariably leads to one outcome: abandonment. The significance of the myth lies in the fact that Henry manages to escape this fate, and the method is exactly the rules he learned in the treacherous underworld: no rules, no morality.

Therefore, the more beautiful it is, the more illusory it becomes.

For Scorsese, creating a dazzling surface is the foundation for the existence of a story. This is exactly where a "sociologist" will excel. The magnificent camera movements, the unrestrained yet restrained rhythm, voice-overs, fast cuts, freeze frames – the marginalized language within tradition is pushed to its extreme here, but without deviating from tradition. Exploration occurs within certain permissible boundaries, mirroring the characters' lives in the story, which are perpetually unable to transcend the constraints imposed by both the underworld and mainstream society. Once they cross the line, they lose their value of existence. Thus, seemingly powerless things regain brand-new vitality here. This kind of romantic technique, used to depict realistic details, unexpectedly carries wild tension.

Robbery, murder, arson, deception – these antisocial contents, in the fast-paced and rhythmic narrative, emit a hint of dreamlike flavour, a visible irony. But perhaps everyone harbours this dream of an unconstrained life in their hearts. The commanding language of the camera not only transports the characters into an entirely new world but also immerses us in an unfamiliar realm. Here, violence intertwines with warmth, death with rebirth, betrayal with loyalty, and predators with the innocent. Nevertheless, akin to all narratives centred on the defeated, the pinnacle of the malevolent flower's bloom usually heralds its imminent decline.

This way of life carries a profound sense of tragedy, leading down a one-way path towards a dead end, and in Scorsese's portrayal, it acquires a hint of mockery. Thus, regardless of how magnificent the narrative appeared initially, eventually, everyone must confront the judgment of fate. For those who live in the cracks and cannot avoid crossing boundaries, there are only two endings: death in the underworld or imprisonment in the legal system.

Tommy, believing he had assimilated into the Mafia, met his end with a bullet from his own gang. Jimmy, retired and hoping for escape, became a victim of betrayal. Meanwhile, Henry, abandoned, managed to evade his predestined fate through a pragmatic choice, yet inadvertently dismantled the seemingly idyllic world he had meticulously constructed.

The soundtrack heavily features period songs, reminiscent of young Henry's perspective, representing memories from Scorsese's childhood reimagined through visual imagery. In contrast to others who utilize music to heighten or juxtapose emotions, Scorsese has a distinct method. He synchronizes the visual cadence shaped by camera movements, editing, and character actions with the musical melody, crafting a serene, otherworldly, and opulent ambiance that firmly interweaves a grand epoch into the fictional narrative. You might find this overt violence intolerable, but within its rhythm lies a pulse akin to breathing.