Compare And Contrast Gangs Of New York And Goodfellas

The films Gangs of New York and Goodfellas both directed by Martin Scorsese and are based in New York, the former in the 1860's and the latter in 1960's. Scorsese is known for directing gangster films with an historical accuracy. Gangs of New York was based on an era rather than a specific person's story. He took some artistic liberties with dates and personalities but based the story around characters known in the gang rings in the 1860's. Goodfellas however is based on a true life story of Henry Hill who was a member of a New York based branch of the Mafia. Winning an Oscar for his directing role in The Departed Scorsese is a critically acclaimed director who lends his talents well to psychological dramas and gangster films.

The use of Dialogue

The idea was for Scorsese to build tension as silence allows for no distraction for the audience, who have to focus on the power and meaning of the words being said by the two characters (1). Lines from Sheriff Happy Jack Mulraney are delivered in an official, well-rehearsed manner which makes the audience feel as though he is saying what he has been told to say rather than what he wants to say. The lines "My allegiance is to the law" and "I'm paid to uphold the law" allow the viewer to see that he is corruptible. The double meaning behind being "paid to uphold the law" is seen by the audience when the answer "What in heaven's name are you talking about?" is delivered as they realise that at the time he is paid to uphold the governments law but would gladly be paid by this gang leader to uphold Cutting's law if necessary (2). Past conflict is hinted at as Jack was a member of the original Dead Rabbits who were defeated in battle in the beginning of the film with the coolness of the delivery of the lines "You may have misgivings but don't go believing that Jack, that way lies damnation." And the cold confident reply of "I am no danger of damnation Bill" as each man's deep seeded hatred over their religious differences and past conflicts become evident. The delivery of the lines reminds the audience of the determined stand off earlier in the film where both gangs are

how" scene of Goodfellas the dialogue allows for tension to build. Tommy's dialogue in the beginning of the film is fast and high pitched as if he is proud of his story. This is important as his voice in the beginning of the scene contrasts to the slower paced, more controlled voice he uses with a lower tone as he becomes more serious. In the line "What do you mean the way I talk." The tone of Ray Liotta's voice changes and the contrast is made clear that he is taking offence to Henry's comment and indicates a change on mood of the scene to the audience. Also silence plays a huge part in creating and relieving tension in this scene (3). In the beginning of the scene there isn't a moment of silence. Tommy is telling his story and in his pauses there are always people laughing, and even when they are laughing Tommy is talking over them adding in some comment