Goodfellas vs. Casino: A Comparative Analysis of Two Crime Masterpieces

Introduction

Martin Scorsese's cinematic oeuvre is a testament to his unparalleled ability to capture the gritty underbelly of organized crime. Among his most iconic works are two cinematic behemoths: "Goodfellas" (1990) and "Casino" (1995). Both films delve into the alluring and treacherous world of mobsters, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into their rise, fall, and the consequences of their illicit lifestyles. While sharing thematic similarities, "Goodfellas" and "Casino" stand apart as distinct cinematic experiences, each with its own unique strengths and narrative nuances.

Narrative Structures: Chronicle vs. Epic

"Goodfellas" unfolds as a chronicle, following the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a young man who becomes entangled in the Lucchese crime family. The film spans two decades, tracing Henry's journey from an aspiring mob associate to a full-fledged gangster and ultimately a government informant. Scorsese employs a non-linear structure, jumping back and forth in time to reveal the pivotal moments that shape Henry's life.

In contrast, "Casino" is more of an epic, spanning three decades and following the intertwined lives of three main characters: Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish mobster tasked with running the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas; Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a free-spirited cocktail waitress who becomes Ace's wife; and Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), a hot-headed mob enforcer. Scorsese presents the narrative in a chronological fashion, allowing the characters' fates to unfold gradually over time.

Characters: The Good, the Bad, and the Brutal

The Good:

• Henry Hill: A complex and relatable antihero, Henry is a young man drawn into the allure of the mob lifestyle. He is loyal, ambitious, and ultimately torn between his loyalty to the family and his desire for a normal life.
• Ace Rothstein: A brilliant and manipulative casino manager, Ace is a master of numbers and a cunning strategist. He is a cold and calculating figure, driven by his ambition to control every aspect of his domain.

The Bad:

• Jimmy Conway: Henry's mentor and surrogate father, Jimmy is a seasoned mobster who teaches Henry the ins and outs of the criminal underworld. He is ruthless and pragmatic, but also harbors a sense of loyalty to his crew.
• Ginger McKenna: Ace's beautiful but unhinged wife, Ginger is a destructive force in Ace's life. She is addicted to gambling and has a knack for attracting trouble.

The Brutal:

• Tommy DeVito: A short-tempered and violent mobster, Tommy is Henry's close friend but also his most dangerous enemy. He is a loose cannon, prone to outbursts of brutal violence.
• Nicky Santoro: Ace's right-hand man, Nicky is a psychopathic enforcer who delights in inflicting pain. He is feared by everyone who crosses his path.

Violence and Morality: The Price of Power

Both "Goodfellas" and "Casino" unflinchingly depict the brutality and violence inherent in the criminal underworld. Scorsese uses graphic and disturbing scenes to illustrate the consequences of the characters' actions. However, the films also explore the moral complexities of these characters. They are not simply evil villains, but human beings with their own motivations and vulnerabilities.

In "Goodfellas," Henry Hill reflects on the moral ambiguity of his life: "I always wanted to be a gangster. But then I realized, the life was so different from the movies. It was all just a bunch of fat guys complaining about their wives."

In "Casino," Ace Rothstein's downfall is ultimately caused by his inability to control his own impulses. He becomes too ambitious, too greedy, and too reckless. His empire crumbles around him, leaving him alone and isolated.

Visual Style and Cinematography

Scorsese's directorial style is evident in both films through his use of long takes, fluid camerawork, and iconic freeze frames.

In "Goodfellas," the famous "Steadicam shot" through the bustling Copacabana nightclub is a technical marvel that immerses the viewer in the chaotic world of the mob. The film's color palette is dark and muted, reflecting the shadowy nature of the characters' lives.

In "Casino," Scorsese employs a more vibrant and glamorous color palette to capture the excess and opulence of Las Vegas. The film's camerawork is more fluid and dynamic, reflecting the constant movement and energy of the city.

Critical and Commercial Reception

Both "Goodfellas" and "Casino" were critical and commercial successes.

"Goodfellas"

• Won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci)
• Nominated for a total of six Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Ray Liotta) and Best Supporting Actress (Lorraine Bracco)
• Ranked by the American Film Institute as the #94 greatest American film of all time

"Casino"

• Nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci)
• Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Director (Martin Scorsese)
• Ranked by the American Film Institute as the #79 greatest American film of all time

Legacy and Impact

"Goodfellas" and "Casino" have had a profound impact on popular culture and filmmaking. They have been parodied, referenced, and imitated countless times. They have also inspired a generation of filmmakers to explore the genre of crime cinema.

The films' enduring legacy is due in part to their realistic depictions of the criminal underworld, their complex and memorable characters, and their stunning visual style. They stand as testaments to Martin Scorsese's mastery as a storyteller and his ability to create films that both entertain and provoke thought.

Comparative Analysis: Key Differences

Effective Strategies for Enjoying Both Films

• Watch them in chronological order. While "Goodfellas" was released first, "Casino" is set in a later time period. Watching the films in chronological order can help you appreciate the evolution of Scorsese's filmmaking style and the changes in the criminal underworld over time.
• Pay attention to the details. Both films are packed with subtle details that add to the richness of the storytelling. Pay close attention to the characters' clothing, hairstyles, and accents. Notice the way Scorsese uses color and lighting to create atmosphere.
• Compare and contrast the characters. Both films feature a cast of memorable and complex characters. Take some time to compare and contrast the characters in "Goodfellas" and "Casino." What similarities and differences do you notice?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't try to multitask. Both "Goodfellas" and "Casino" are dense and complex films. Don't try to watch them while you're doing other things. Give them your full attention and you'll be rewarded with a truly immersive experience.
• Don't be afraid of the violence. Both films contain graphic and disturbing scenes of violence. If you're sensitive to violence, be prepared for it. However, don't let the violence deter you from watching these films. They are essential viewing for any fan of crime cinema.
• Don't expect a happy ending. Both "Goodfellas" and "Casino" are ultimately tragic stories. Don't expect the characters to ride off into the sunset. However, the films' endings are still satisfying in their own way. They provide a sense of closure and a reminder of the consequences of a life of crime.

Call to Action

I hope this comparative analysis has helped you to appreciate the unique qualities of "Goodfellas" and "Casino." If you haven't seen these films, I highly recommend that you check them out. They are two of the greatest crime films ever made and they are sure to entertain and provoke thought.

And once you've seen both films, be sure to come back and share your thoughts in the comments section below. I'd love to hear what you think of these cinematic masterpieces.

Thank you for reading!

Appendix

Table 1: Academy Award Nominations and Wins

Table 2: Box Office Performance

Table 3: Critical Reception