Goodfellas or Scarface...

[Sagittarius Rising]

As a denizen of Miami, I can assure you a lot of Cubans LOVE this film, though as I said in my previous post, they regard it as a comedy. I do remember the filming being shut down, but many have since come to embrace the film (younger folks probably).

P.S. The Cubans AND the Colombians, often at war with each other over the drug trade, contributed to the crime wave. If you haven't seen the documentary "Cocaine Cowboys," check it out - it's really interesting.

So true, when it comes to drugs in the 80's & 90's it's the Cubans AND the Columbians, two tastes that don't taste great together. Just can't have one without the other.

[kingzoso]

I am currently re-reading Wiseguy, the book that was the basis for "Goodfellas", and there are (of course) many discrepancies between the book and the movie.

For example:

Paulie Cicero (the Capo in the movie, played by Paul Sorvino), his real name in the book is Paul Vario.

His brother in the movie, Tuddy Cicero, (from the beginning of the movie and the one who controlled the numbers racket for his older brother and the one who threatened to throw the mailman in the oven), in real life, according to the book, had lost a leg fighting in the Korean war.

When the young Henry Hill got pinched for the illegal sales of cigarettes, and then was greeted in the stairwell with all of the other wiseguys, Jimmy Conway (Burke) was there along with big Paulie. According to the book, Paulie was doing a little time on a "contempt" charge and was not actually there at that time.

There are a lot more that the book mentions and the movie does not. Regardless, I still think that "Goodfellas" is one of the greatest films of all-time.

I recommend to anyone who Loves "Goodfellas" to actually take a few days and read the real story behind the movie.

More differences to come...

[Nutrocker]

I am currently re-reading Wiseguy, the book that was the basis for "Goodfellas", and there are (of course) many discrepancies between the book and the movie.

Nick Pillegi's book that Casino is based on (can't remember the name at the moment) is also a good read.

[Deborah J]

Well, you people let me stand alone on this one. But I do love the discussion.

Off topic: I'll take Godfather and Heat over either of these..but I do love them all. I can only be honest

[Nutrocker]

Well, you people let me stand alone on this one. But I do love the discussion.

Off topic: I'll take Godfather and Heat over either of these..but I do love them all. I can only be honest

Not necessarily off topic...The Godfather and Heat do feature the same actors, after all.

Heat is fucking awesome...the granddaddy of all heist/cops n' robbers flicks, IMO.

[Buzaldridge]

Scarface is a good idea about what drug crime is. He doesn't care. A cartoon? Hahaheheghhhh!

The drug people you believe are lying, but it's OK.

The reason Tony has no problem killing his workmate is that the cunt in Colombia is trying to set him up as his puppet.

Killing kids is not right. Tony knows right from wrong. 

So he goes like a cartoon character after that, as nobody is that keen on being killed.

Fuck em, he is not a nonce!

Die, baby screaming!

[Charles J. White]

How can you choose? Both are excellent. but I do like Goodfellas a lot. It's like choosing between Lemon Pie and Blueberry Pie both are excellent just depends on the mood

[Walter]

What a nice resurection, especially for your first post!  

 

 

 

[Disco Duck]

On 5/12/2013 at 4:41 PM, badgeholder said:

Scorsese loves to use the period rock & roll, and sometimes it can be effective, but I thought the use of Layla after the murder in the Cadillac didn't work at all. But ya gotta go with Goodfellas for one simple reason: One of the most famous scenes in movie history - Joe Pesci: "What, I'm a clown? I make you laugh? WHAT"S SO FUCKING FUNNY ABOUT ME?!!"

The scene where Henry Hill leads his girlfriend through the back entrance of the night club while The Crystals song He Kissed Me, plays in the background is one of the best film scene's ever, imo.  

[Nutrocker]

1 hour ago, Disco Duck said:

The scene where Henry Hill leads his girlfriend through the back entrance of the night club while The Crystals song He Kissed Me, plays in the background is one of the best film scene's ever, imo.  

Done in one take, I do believe...not unlike the similar overhead tracking shot showing all the carnage in the brothel near the end of Taxi Driver. Martin Scorsese is a fucking genius.

[kingzoso]

55 minutes ago, Nutrocker said:

Done in one take, I do believe...not unlike the similar overhead tracking shot showing all the carnage in the brothel near the end of Taxi Driver. Martin Scorsese is a fucking genius.

Thanks to the person who "resurrected" this topic I stared about 3 years ago.  I started it for a reason and I just finished reading all those reasons just now. 

The majority seem to prefer "Goodfellas" (and for good reason) while more then a few feel that "Scarface" is also a great movie but very dated and does not hold up to Marty Scorsese's masterpiece (and one of the greatest films of all-time). 

As to Nutrocker's above post, I remembering reading somewhere a long time ago that this scene of Henry and Karen walking in through the back entrance actually took 5 days to shoot and not 1 take.  I believe that because I know that Marty is one of, if not the most gifted and precise filmmakers ever.  His control to detail and accuracy is legendary. 

Edited to add:  when the day comes that Martin Scorsese or Robert De Niro (and Mr. Pacino) no longer inhabit this Earth, I will cry and cry and cry for days.  The same goes for Jimmy, Robert and John Paul. 

[Reggie29]

Just now, kingzoso said:

Thanks to the person who "resurrected" this topic I stared about 3 years ago.  I started it for a reason and I just finished reading all those reasons just now. 

The majority seem to prefer "Goodfellas" (and for good reason) while more then a few feel that "Scarface" is also a great movie but very dated and does not hold up to Marty Scorsese's masterpiece (and one of the greatest films of all-time). 

As to Nutrocker's above post, I remembering reading somewhere a long time ago that this scene of Henry and Karen walking in through the back entrance actually took 5 days to shoot and not 1 take.  I believe that because I know that Marty is one of, if not the most gifted and precise filmmakers ever.  His control to detail and accuracy is legendary. 

Vinyl notwithstanding!?

[kingzoso]

8 minutes ago, Reggie29 said:

Vinyl notwithstanding!?

When did Marty make or direct an album? 

[Reggie29]

14 minutes ago, kingzoso said:

When did Marty make or direct an album? 

It's a new TV show on HBO.

[kingzoso]

14 minutes ago, Reggie29 said:

It's a new TV show on HBO.

I know and I was just messing with you.  I said what I said about Marty and his precision to accuracy and detail to accuracy because it is mainly true.  Just watch almost every movie he made and you should even agree with me. 

I know that Marty directed the first episode of "Vinyl" and I am sure he had a lot of input in the direction that this HBO series would go, however, Marty, and the many other producers of this show also have input in how this series will play out.  After Martin, Mick Jagger seems to  have a lot of influence as Mick is also a "Producer" of this series. 

I will say that I have seen most of the episodes of this program (and I find it "entertaining".  I am behind one episode or two).  After all, it is a TV show, and all television shows are made to entertain and bring in ratings. 

Despite the fact that Mick and Marty got the Peter Grant and Robert Plant characters wrong in the very first episode does not bother me in the least. 

I think it is time that Martin Scorsese does a just and honest documentary piece on Led Zeppelin. 

[LedZeppfan1977]

Great season for us.  One game under 500 with two left.  Next year we will return to the race.  Jack Eichel is as good as advertised.   25 goals and Ristolainen and Reinhart also had great years.   Sabres on track

 

It seems my old hockey partners are gone.  But Zepcoda, I know you like Dallas and I am a huge fan of Lindy Ruff.  I like what he has done and with Benn and the boys you guys are not without a chance.   But i think the kings and Ducks  and Blues may have to much.  I am picking the Blues vs the Caps

[Strider]

11 hours ago, Disco Duck said:

The scene where Henry Hill leads his girlfriend through the back entrance of the night club while The Crystals song He Kissed Me, plays in the background is one of the best film scene's ever, imo.  

I agree. That scene is magic.

10 hours ago, Nutrocker said:

Done in one take, I do believe...not unlike the similar overhead tracking shot showing all the carnage in the brothel near the end of Taxi Driver. Martin Scorsese is a fucking genius.

Like kingzoso said, it wasn't one shot...just a very clever splice to make it look like one take. Scorsese was inspired by Orson Welles' masterful opening tracking shot in "Touch of Evil".

3 hours ago, LedZeppfan1977 said:

Great season for us.  One game under 500 with two left.  Next year we will return to the race.  Jack Eichel is as good as advertised.   25 goals and Ristolainen and Reinhart also had great years.   Sabres on track

 

It seems my old hockey partners are gone.  But Zepcoda, I know you like Dallas and I am a huge fan of Lindy Ruff.  I like what he has done and with Benn and the boys you guys are not without a chance.   But i think the kings and Ducks  and Blues may have to much.  I am picking the Blues vs the Caps

You're in the wrong room, buddy.

[LedZeppfan1977]

9 hours ago, Strider said:

I agree. That scene is magic.

Like kingzoso said, it wasn't one shot...just a very clever splice to make it look like one take. Scorsese was inspired by Orson Welles' masterful opening tracking shot in "Touch of Evil".

You're in the wrong room, buddy.

I keep doing this.  Sorry

[TypeO]

LOL, I basically repeated my post from 3 years ago.
Well, at least my opinions remain consistent.

[Strider]

15 hours ago, TypeO said:

LOL, I basically repeated my post from 3 years ago.
Well, at least my opinions remain consistent.

So nice you had to say it twice.

[redrum]

They should retitle Scarface to 'Scar-F-Bomb'

[Strider]

4 hours ago, redrum said:

They should retitle Scarface to 'Scar-F-Bomb'

Scarf@&#! 

After a while, all the language becomes annoying and a turnoff.

[redrum]

3 hours ago, Strider said:

Scarf@&#! 

After a while, all the language becomes annoying and a turnoff.

My thoughts exactly. We tried to watch an English movie the other night and every other word was da f-bomb. I guess they think it's the coolest word on the planet.

[the chase]

4 hours ago, Strider said:

Scarf@&#! 

After a while, all the language becomes annoying and a turnoff.

I've heard that Blink-182 was originally called just Blink.. There was another band called Blink and threatened to sue. So Blink became Blink-182, which is the number of times Tony Montana says f*ck. It sounds like too low a number to me. 

[the chase]

On 4/6/2016 at 1:14 PM, Strider said:

 

Like kingzoso said, it wasn't one shot...just a very clever splice to make it look like one take. Scorsese was inspired by Orson Welles' masterful opening tracking shot in "Touch of Evil.  

Another great one shot scene is the opening 3 minutes of Boogie Nights. Every major character is introduced in this scene.  

There is an Alfred Hitchcock film titled Rope made to look like one continuous shot. But, seeing film reels could only be shot for 10 minutes at the time, a reel would end and the next reel would start at a still object, a curtain or whatever to make the transition transparent.