Mise-En-Scene in Goodfellas

 I decided to make my mise-en-scene assignment about the 1990 film “Goodfellas.” I originally wanted to talk about the mise-en-scene in the new Borat sequel but after some consideration the mockumentary had more of a focus on comedy and improv than on the cinematography and the lighting. I chose Goodfellas as the new film to write about because despite being a Robert DeNiro fan I haven't seen Goodfellas in a long while and decided to rewatch it.

In the movie we are introduced to Henry Hill, a high profile gangster in 1950s New York City. The setting of NYC is important because the city was the epicenter of crime and mob activity during prohibition and into the 1970s. Showing how Henry must keep his connection to the mob a secret or else he is in danger of getting him arrested or worse, killed. Also, since the film is a mob movie the use of low-key lighting throughout the movie helps give off the dark, gritty, and secretive life of a New York gangster. The use of showing dark shadows instead of hiding them also gives the audience a feeling of realism and sucks them into the film.

Before Henry begins his journey from teenager to mobster the film starts with a flashback into Henry’s early life. The flashback opens with the use of deep space where Henry is looking out his bedroom window onto a group of mobsters hanging out and laughing.The space helps give the sense that Henry’s dream of being a gangster is far out and will require hard work and time to achieve.

The use of costume in Goodfellas is mainly used to give characters just small hints to their character. Paul “Paulie” Cicero almost never seen wearing suits like the other gangsters. This might be because his role in the mob as the guy who provides people with protection is less hands on and doesn't require him to dress super well. There are also small things in the film like Henry Hill wearing a necklace that has both the Star of David and a cross to represent his catholic background and the jewish heritage of his wife.