Steven Spielberg explains why 'Goodfellas' is an 'epic masterpiece' with 'intoxicating energy'

This essay is one of many written by filmmakers and actors within the framework of Variety's 100 Greatest All Time Package Movies.

Henry Hill, Jimmy the Gent, Tommy DeVito, Paulie, Karen, Billy Batts, the Lufthansa heist …all someone has to do is mention some of these names and I have the sudden, irresistible urge to rewatch Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. I've lost count of how many times I've experienced this epic cinematic masterpiece, which features a brilliant screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese, and one of the greatest ensemble casts in history. of cinema: De Niro, Pesci, Liotta and some of the greatest memorable supporting roles of all time – from Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Chuck Low and Tony Darrow to Catherine and Charles Scorsese… there is no background performance in "Goodfellas".

It's no longer a guilty pleasure to sit for 2 hours and 26 minutes, but rather a masterclass for any budding filmmaker who wants to see a stunning balance of multiple storylines, timelines, shocking violence, and violent humor. The film has an intoxicating energy that's expressed not only in masterful editing, but also in the highest needle score since "American Graffiti" and the best spoken-word narrative since Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity."

And not since Peter Clemenza taught Michael Corleone how to cook for a crew in "The Godfather" a food has played such an important role in creating bonds that last a lifetime – or in this case, until you get hit.

Everyone has a favorite photo of Scorsese, and this is the one for me, in photo-finish with my other favorite pic, "Raging Bull".

Steven Spielberg is the director of "Jaws", "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List."

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