Opening sequence - Goodfellas

Genre: Crime/Gangster
Director: Martin Scorsese
Year Released: 1990

In the opening sequence of Goodfellas we are introduced to the three most important characters in the film in its opening sequence. Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), James 'Jimmy' Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) play the main characters in the film showing they are very much gangster like. In the opening sequence all of the characters are in a car being driven along a highway where Henry then pulls over in a lay by. The audience are totally oblivious to a male hostage that is trapped in the boot of his car. The three men get out of the car in the dark and make their way towards the boot after much hesitation. Henry unlocks the boot of the car and the audience see a very much bloody and gory sight. After realising the hostage is still alive Tommy reaches for his Gun in his pocket and continously stabs him and then Jimmy gets his gun and shoots him over and over again confirming to the audience that he is dead. They act like it is a normal thing they do in every day life and casually get back in the car whilst Henry shuts the boot.

The main character of this film is Henry Hill, who is introduced at the end of the opening sequence of the film saying 'As far back as i can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster'. This indicates the genre of the film to the audience and also shows the audience a hint of what the film may include.