The Super Network

Perfect Casting, Perfect Performance #5

Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas

Goodfellas is a classic film by the great Martin Scorsese and based on a true story. The character that Joe Pesci plays Tommy was actually a real person, and after seeing this film he is the type of person I would never want to come across. As I understand it, according to the real Henry Hill (the character that Ray Liotta plays) Pesci physically looked nothing like Tommy, however his performance of Tommy was pretty accurate. That in itself is rather creepy to think that such a man was around, and a major credit to what a fantastic talent Joe Pesci is given the right kind of role. This role fits Joe Pesci perfectly, he really does become Tommy in this film. If you doubt this mans acting ability because you might only have seen him in Home Alone, well you shouldn’t.

Tommy is as crazy as they come, perhaps that might not always be a bad thing in the world of organised crime. Being as crazy as he is and you see it quite often in this film, you really would not want to cross this man. In one fantastic scene, and Joe is just simply awesome in it, Tommy gets ‘offended’ by comments Henry makes about him being funny. You really truly believe he is going to grab his gun and shoot Henry in the forehead, Joe is truly creepy in this scene. However this is actually his idea of a joke and he isn’t actually upset over the comments, brave as he might be I swear Henry was worried about that situation. There are some scenes in this film where he really does feel like he is insane, Joe just manages to portray all of this on the perfect level that engages you with his character you really feel something with every action he takes.

If I have not convinced you of the brilliance of his performance, he was nominated and won the Oscar (Best Supporting Actor) for this performance. If there was any example of perfect casting for this film, Joe Pesci is it. Sure Ray Liotta and Robert DeNiro are great in this, but I got to say that I truly believe that Pesci is easily the stand out and he gives the best performance. Pesci and DeNiro being great friends, work so well together, they bring out the best in each other. Any other person in the role of Tommy, his character would not have had the same affect. I am glad they went for acting talent over looks, this film is an example of why I really adore Joe Pesci and why I think he is an excellent actor. If you have not yet seen this fantastic film, go see it right away. It might not be Scorsese’s best film but it is right up there and one of my personal favourites. Pesci’s performance is definitely one of my all time favourite’s and why it has made my list of Perfecting Casting, Perfect Performance.