As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the dark, gritty world of gangster flicks, I can confidently say that Goodfellas stands tall among the greats – perhaps even surpassing The Godfather in my personal rankings. Lorraine Bracco’s insights into the making of this iconic film only serve to underscore its brilliance.
Lorraine Bracco, renowned for her roles in Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece “Goodfellas” and HBO’s “The Sopranos”, shares insights about filming one of the movie’s pivotal scenes: the uninterrupted tracking shot that showcases Henry and Karen entering the vibrant Copacabana nightclub, gradually captivated by the allure of crime, opulence, and exclusive treatment.
In the movie, Lorraine Bracco portrays Karen Hill, who is romantically linked to Ray Liotta’s character, Henry Hill, as he strives to ascend in the Mafia during the mid-1950s. Her captivating performance earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, one of six nominations the film received in 1991. In an interview with Jessica Shaw on The Spotlight with Jessica Shaw on SiriusXM, Bracco discussed the remarkable long take in the film where Karen and Henry walk through the Copacabana club using a side entrance for special guests. This sequence takes them through hallways and the kitchen before they reach a VIP table with an excellent view of the stage.
The series is unquestionably captivating, drawing Henry, Karen, and viewers into the allure of a Mafia lifestyle. In the interview, Shaw inquired about Bracco’s apprehension on the days they filmed certain scenes, asking “Were you particularly nervous the day, or even several days, knowing that you had only a few minutes left to avoid making a mistake at minute two, fifty-eight seconds?” To this, she replied:
Here’s how you can rephrase that: “As I recall, we filmed approximately 18 takes, which left me constantly worried about forgetting my final line. I remember being frantic, repeatedly thinking to myself, ‘What on earth is my line? What line do I need to say?’ However, I must give credit where it’s due; Ray was an exceptional collaborator for a Martin Scorsese production. He was dedicated, enthusiastic, and truly brought my performance to life. He challenged me in the best possible way, pushing me to be the best actor I could be. So, essentially, I just followed his lead during that scene, and it was a real pleasure.
Is Goodfellas the Greatest Mafia Movie Ever Made?
Indeed, it might appear unorthodox to rank Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” below Martin Scorsese’s work. However, both films are unique masterpieces, albeit vastly distinct in their storytelling methods and the tales they unfold. While “The Godfather” portrays Michael Corleone’s inescapable ascension to power, “Goodfellas” offers a vivid portrayal of intentional turmoil from the perspective of an individual who yearned to be a gangster above all else.
After dealing with that matter, it’s undeniably unjust that while Martin Scorsese’s film “Goodfellas” continues to be his most renowned work, it wasn’t acknowledged by award bodies who instead favored Kevin Costner’s Western film “Dances with Wolves” (we can let the Best Adapted Screenplay win slide, but Best Director and Best Picture? Really?)
In the film “Goodfellas,” directed by Scorsese, he reaches the zenith of his unique narrative style. The movie is not just technically brilliant (the tracking shot stands out as it holds significance for both characters and viewers, rather than simply showcasing a director’s skills), but also narrates an intensely captivating story about guilt, betrayal, masculinity, and the perils of ambition above everything else. Featuring outstanding performances from a star-studded cast including Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Paul Sorvino, “Goodfellas” is the epitome of a gripping gangster masterpiece.
Here’s a suggestion for paraphrasing:
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2024-09-30 15:01