Scorsese's Preemptive Soundtrack Vision:
A standout element of "Goodfellas" is its captivating soundtrack, and it's fascinating to discover that Scorsese had it meticulously planned three years before the commencement of production.
The inclusion of tracks like "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream, "Speedoo" by The Cadillacs, "Baby, I Love You" by Aretha Franklin, "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones, and "Magic Bus" by The Who contributed to a soundtrack that came with a hefty price tag.
Pesci's Real-Life Inspiration for a Memorable Scene:
One of the film's most memorable scenes is the confrontation between Pesci and Liotta in a bar. The character's outburst upon being told he's "funny" stemmed from a real-life incident. In his past as a waiter, Pesci once remarked to a mobster that he found him amusing, triggering an unexpected and excessive reaction.
Scorsese's Mother Makes a Cameo:
In a charming touch, Scorsese decided to cast his mother, Catherine, in a small role as Tommy's mother. Initially almost cut from the final edit, her character, who appears in a scene where the boys visit her house in search of a shovel, tested exceptionally well with audiences for its humor and made it to the version we now know.
Real-Life Mobsters Among the Extras:
To infuse an authentic touch, Scorsese enlisted real individuals connected to organized crime as extras. Some of them had encounters with the characters depicted in the film, and one even faced imprisonment post-production. By incorporating real-life figures, Scorsese aimed to blur the lines between reality and fiction.
A Nod to Cinematic Heritage:
Scorsese's passion for cinema shines through in "Goodfellas," where he pays homage to a classic film. Towards the film's conclusion, there's a reference to the silent film "Train Robbery" (1903), as Pesci's character shoots directly at the camera, recreating a moment from the iconic Western.
