Kumamoto University:
Comparative Culture

Rick Lavin

Goodfellas, Part One

Goodfellas

We saw the first half of this true story starring Ray Liotta as Henry Hill, a former mobster. This sets the stage for the tragedy that unfolds in Part 2, which we will view next week.

Excerpts from the screenplay

Listen to these excerpts from the film:

"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster ."

Tommy shows his dangerous side. Luckily, he's joking this time.

Henry: It's just...you know...you're funny!
Tommy: Let me understand you...
              'cause maybe it's me,
              I'm a little fucked up, maybe...
              but I'm funny how,
              I mean, funny, like I'm a clown,
              I amuse you?
              I make you laugh,
              I'm here to fuckin' amuse you?
              What do you mean, "funny"?
              Funny how?
              How am I funny?

Questions to consider

Is the mafia the same as the Japanese yakuza?

What other Mafia movies do you know?