FLM.RED / After the credits
A table at the front and a life Henry never wanted
Spoilers for GoodFellas, following Henry Hill from his fascination with gangsters to testimony against his associates.
Open the recap & discussion — spoilers
As a boy Henry Hill sees money, respect and freedom in the gangsters around his neighborhood. He begins working for Paulie and becomes close to Jimmy and Tommy.
The route through the kitchen
Henry takes Karen through the Copacabana kitchen and a table is brought to the front. The long moving shot lets us experience the appeal of his influence through Karen’s eyes. Those privileges also rest on intimidation and harm; the film shows both the attraction and its cost.
A killing that returns
Tommy and Jimmy attack Billy Batts, and Henry helps deal with the body. Later Tommy believes he is about to become a made man, but is killed in retaliation for Billy’s murder. The people offering advancement can also become a deadly threat.
Money followed by suspicion
After the Lufthansa robbery Jimmy is angered by conspicuous spending and eliminates associates who might connect him to it. Henry enters the drug trade despite Paulie’s warning. On the day of his arrest his frantic errands and fear of a helicopter replace the easy flow of his earlier life.
Safety without the old privileges
Henry cooperates with authorities, testifies against Jimmy and Paulie, and enters witness protection with his family. In an anonymous neighborhood he misses the status he once enjoyed. His survival does not mean he has stopped longing for the world in which he harmed others.
After watching
- How does the Copacabana scene draw you into Henry’s world?
- What do you make of his boredom with his new life?
Before watching
Crime drama with violence, strong language and drug use.
Keep the conversation going
Does Henry survive?
Yes. He testifies for the authorities and enters witness protection with his family.
