Is Goodfellas a True Story? Where was the Movie Filmed?
by Sakthi
Updated Apr 10, 2023
Is Goodfellas a True Story?
Goodfellas is a critically acclaimed crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1990. The film's story spans several decades and is told in a nonlinear fashion, with Hill providing voiceover narration and jumping back and forth between different time periods. The film is notable for its use of a variety of cinematic techniques, including freeze frames, long tracking shots, and pop music from the time period. However, people have many doubts regarding the film. Let us analyze them one by one in a detailed manner.
The first question is whether the film Goodfellas is based on a true story. And the answer is yes: Goodfellas is based on a true story. The film is a dramatisation of the life of Henry Hill, a former mobster who turned informant and testified against his former associates in the Lucchese crime family. Henry Hill was born on June 11, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a predominantly Italian-American neighbourhood. As a teenager, he began working for the Lucchese crime family as an errand boy and later became a full-fledged member of the gang. In the 1960s and 1970s, Hill and his associates were involved in various criminal activities, including robbery, extortion, and drug trafficking. The film depicts their rise to power and the eventual downfall of Hill and his colleagues. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of the inner workings of the mob and the violence and brutality that come with it. Hill eventually entered the Witness Protection Programme and testified against his former associates, leading to numerous arrests and convictions. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 69.
Overall, while the film takes some dramatic liberties, it is based on a true story and offers a glimpse into the world of organised crime in the United States during the mid-20th century.
How Old Was Ray Liotta In Goodfellas?
Ray Liotta, who played the adult Henry Hill in Goodfellas, was born on December 18, 1954. The film was released on September 19, 1990, which means Liotta was 36 years old at the time of its release. However, the character of Henry Hill spans several decades in the film, and Liotta's performance required him to play the character at various ages. To achieve this, the filmmakers used a combination of makeup, costumes, and special effects to age Liotta's appearance.
In the earlier parts of the film, Liotta's character is shown as a teenager and young adult, and his appearance is altered with makeup and a different wardrobe. As the film progresses, the makeup and special effects become more pronounced, aging Liotta's appearance to match the character's age. Despite the challenges of portraying a character over several decades, Liotta's performance in Goodfellas was widely praised, and the film is considered one of the highlights of his career.
Where Can I Watch Goodfellas?
The availability of Goodfellas for streaming or rental depends on your location and the streaming service you have access to. In the United States, Goodfellas is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, and it can also be rented or purchased on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes.
Please note that availability and streaming services may change over time, so it's always a good idea to double-check before making any purchases or subscriptions.
Where was Goodfellas Filmed?
Goodfellas was primarily filmed in various locations throughout New York City and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the key filming locations:
East New York, Brooklyn: The opening scene of the film, where the character Tommy DeVito stabs a man in the trunk of a car, was filmed on 76th Street in East New York.
Lower East Side, Manhattan: Several scenes were filmed in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, including the scene where Henry Hill meets his future wife Karen at the Copacabana nightclub.
Astoria, Queens: The exterior shots of the taxi garage where Jimmy Conway and his crew operated were filmed in Astoria, Queens.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn: The scene where Henry Hill and Jimmy Conway take part in the Lufthansa heist was filmed in an abandoned warehouse in Williamsburg.
Staten Island: The scenes where Tommy DeVito is killed and buried were filmed in a residence on Staten Island.
The Bronx: Several scenes were filmed in The Bronx, including the scene where Henry Hill is arrested and the scene where the crew is celebrating after the Lufthansa heist.
New Jersey: Several scenes were also filmed in various locations throughout New Jersey, including the scene where Tommy DeVito is killed in the Bamboo Lounge, which was actually filmed in the former Hilltop Restaurant in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
Overall, the film captures the gritty and authentic feel of 1970s New York and its surrounding areas, with many of the filming locations still recognizable to this day.
Who Played Young Henry Hill in Goodfellas?
In Goodfellas, the character of Henry Hill is played by two actors: Ray Liotta plays Henry Hill as an adult, while Christopher Serrone portrays him as a teenager and young adult. Christopher Serrone was a 21-year-old college student when he was cast in the role of Young Henry Hill. He had no prior acting experience before being discovered by the film's casting director, Ellen Lewis, in a pool hall in Queens, New York. Serrone's audition consisted of him reading a scene with Robert De Niro, who played Jimmy Conway in the film. Director Martin Scorsese was impressed with Serrone's natural performance and cast him in the role.
Serrone's portrayal of Young Henry Hill was praised by both audiences and critics, with many noting his ability to capture the character's tough exterior and vulnerability. Although "Goodfellas'' was Serrone's only major acting credit, he has since made appearances at various events and conventions related to the film. He also appeared in a documentary called "Bamboozled'' in 2000, which explored the making of Goodfellas and its impact on popular culture.
Here is one of the best scenes from the movie Goodfellas
Is Goodfellas a True Story - FAQs
Goodfellas is a crime drama film that tells the true story of Henry Hill, a former mobster who became an FBI informant.
Goodfellas was directed by Martin Scorsese, who is known for his work in the crime genre and has directed several other iconic films such as "Taxi Driver" and "The Departed."
Ray Liotta plays the lead role of Henry Hill in Goodfellas, portraying the character from his teenage years to his adulthood.
The non-linear storytelling in Goodfellas allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations, as well as emphasizing the cyclical nature of the criminal lifestyle.
Goodfellas was primarily filmed in various locations throughout New York City and its surrounding areas, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and New Jersey.