Why Was Only Tommy Killed in Goodfellas, and Not Jimmy & Henry ?

Summary

In 'Goodfellas,' Martin Scorsese's 1990 classic, the mob's brutal hierarchy and the inevitable consequences of breaking its rules are explored through the lens of real-life mobster Henry Hill. The film delves into the lives of Hill, the hot-headed Tommy DeSimone, and the cunning Jimmy 'The Gent' Burke, highlighting their rise and fall within the mob. Tommy's unsanctioned murders and volatile temperament lead to his downfall, while Jimmy's value as a top earner and Henry's eventual FBI bust save them from a similar fate. The script underscores the mob's ruthless business approach and the high price of disobedience.

Takeaways

• 🎬 'Goodfellas' is a classic 1990 mob film directed by Martin Scorsese, inspired by the book 'Wise Guy' by Nicholas Pileggi, depicting street-level life in the mob.
• 🔍 The movie narrates the life of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, who aspires to be part of the local mob from a young age in Brooklyn.
• 👥 The central characters are Henry, Jimmy Conway, and Tommy DeVito, forming a trio with distinct roles: Jimmy as the brains, Henry as the go-to guy, and Tommy as the third member.
• 💰 The trio is involved in a major heist at JFK Airport, stealing $6 million from the Lufthansa cargo bay, which is based on a real-life event.
• 🇮🇹 Tommy is the only pure Italian among the three, which is significant for being 'made' in the mob, while Jimmy and Henry, with Irish blood, could never be fully initiated despite their value.
• ❌ Tommy's death is a result of his breaking Mafia law, particularly the unsanctioned murder of Billy Batts, a member of the Gambino crime family.
• 🔫 Violence is portrayed as a norm within the mob, with murder being a common consequence for breaking the rules or simply as a result of disagreements.
• 💊 Henry and Jimmy's involvement in drug dealing, against their boss's orders, leads to Henry's arrest and the fear of retribution within the mob.
• 🚨 Despite their criminal activities, Jimmy's status as a top earner for the mob and Henry's entry into the witness protection program save them from being killed.
• 🤔 The script suggests that in the mob, business acumen and behavior are as important as one's bloodline or ethnicity in determining one's fate.
• 📚 The story of 'Goodfellas' serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of living outside the law and the ultimate price one may pay for disregarding mob rules.

Q & A

Why was Tommy killed in the movie 'Goodfellas'?

Tommy was killed mainly because of the unsanctioned murder of Billy Batts, a member of the Gambino crime family, and also because he was difficult to be around due to his excessively violent temperament.

Why weren't Jimmy and Henry killed along with Tommy?

Jimmy and Henry were not killed because they were top earners for the mob, and their Irish blood might have also played a role in them being spared. Their value to the organization and the fact that they were not directly involved in the unsanctioned murders likely saved them.

What is the significance of the character Henry Hill in 'Goodfellas'?

Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, is the main narrator of the film. He is an Irish-Italian teenager who aspires to be part of the local mob and eventually becomes a key member alongside Jimmy and Tommy.

How does the movie 'Goodfellas' portray life in the mob?

The movie gives a street-level view of life in the mob, showing the day-to-day activities, the rules they follow, and the consequences of breaking those rules, such as Tommy's unsanctioned murders leading to his death.

What is the significance of the Lufthansa heist in the movie?

The Lufthansa heist was one of the most daring cash heists in U.S. history, resulting in the theft of $6 million from the Lufthansa cargo bay at JFK Airport in 1978. It is a pivotal event in the movie that leads to increased tension and eventual downfall of the characters.

Why was Henry Hill not 'made' in the mob?

Henry Hill was not 'made' in the mob due to his Irish blood. The mob was traditionally more accepting of pure Italian members, and Henry's mixed heritage made him ineligible for full membership.

What role does Paulie play in the movie?

Paulie is a neighborhood boss in the mob who Henry Hill initially works for. He is a significant figure who sets the rules and expectations for his associates, including Henry, Jimmy, and Tommy.

What is the significance of the character Tommy DeVito in the movie?

Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci, is a hot-headed and excessively violent member of the mob. His actions, including the unsanctioned murder of Billy Batts, contribute to his eventual death.

What is the role of Jimmy Conway in 'Goodfellas'?

Jimmy Conway, played by Robert De Niro, is an Irish-American mobster who is the brains of the operation. He is a top earner for the mob and is involved in the planning and execution of the Lufthansa heist.

How does the movie depict the consequences of breaking mob rules?

The movie shows that breaking mob rules, such as the unsanctioned murder of a member, leads to severe consequences, including death, as seen with Tommy's character.

What is the significance of the character Spider in the movie?

Spider is an employee at Henry's Club who is accidentally shot by Tommy. His confrontation with Tommy, where he stands up to him, highlights Tommy's volatile nature and contributes to the tension leading to Tommy's death.