The Godfather VS. Goodfellas

[rushgoober]

While I suspect that The Godfather will win in a landslide, I've always been partial to Goodfellas.

 

Don't get me wrong, The Godfather is a great, great movie that I've seen many times, but Goodfellas beats it by a nose.

 

I think it's because it's a bit more modern and a bit more believable. The Godfather has the feeling of a classic fable, whereas Goodfellas feels a bit more real world, probably because it's based on a true story, whereas The Godfather is fictional, even though inspired by anecdotes of real events.

 

Scorcese is a master. Also, I love the music in Goodfellas and how it spans decades - everything about the movie is just cool. Not to say The Godfather isn't - it's just personal preference.

 

What say you?

[treeduck]

The one with James Caan in it...

 

Caan > Liotta

 

[Xanadoood]

Both great. Ill have to say The Godfather for overall great movie. I hate to say it, but i think ive just seen Goodfellas way to many times. It seems to be always on. And thats a lame excuse, but im sort of sick of it. But i think The Godfather is just better with the acting, storyline, etc.

[Sonatine]

great films, great actors, great stories, great directors and great actors.

 

Such a tough choice splitting the two. But I went for The Godfather, especially for the amazing character development of Al Pacino's "Michael Corleone"

[LeaveMyThingAlone]

QUOTE (treeduck @ Dec 14 2009, 05:28 PM)

The one with James Caan in it... Caan > Liotta

Yes.

 

These are 2 of my absolute all-time favorites. All the actors in both movies are absolutely untouchable...all except Ray Liotta. While it's not a bad performance by any means, every time I watch him in a scene I'm waiting for the next with Pesci or DeNiro.

 

But I voted Godfather. I think the story in of itself is so dramatic and emotional....namely Michael Corleone, the one that the Don was so proud of because he was "legit" and not in that life, is forced to not only enter the life, but take over for Don. It's so well done.

[thesweetscience]

Its very close but I had to pick "The Godfather". Both are in my top 5 faves of all time.

 

Edit to add:

 

I have gone back and read the thread after posting and I don't think this is going to be a landslide at all. I think anyone who likes one will probably like the other and I think its going to be a tough choice to make.

Edited December 14, 2009 by thesweetscience

[ReRushed]

Tough decision, both films are masterpieces. I have to go with The Godfather. I find the story of Michael Corleone much deeper and richer than the story of Henry Hill. Michael Corleone struggled with the decency inside of him. His story is epic and compelling. Henry Hill was simply a punk who deserved everything that happened to him.

[Pags]

QUOTE (rushgoober @ Dec 14 2009, 05:17 PM)

While I suspect that The Godfather will win in a landslide, I've always been partial to Goodfellas. Don't get me wrong, The Godfather is a great, great movie that I've seen many times, but Goodfellas beats it by a nose. I think it's because it's a bit more modern and a bit more believable. The Godfather has the feeling of a classic fable, whereas Goodfellas feels a bit more real world, probably because it's based on a true story, whereas The Godfather is fictional, even though inspired by anecdotes of real events. Scorcese is a master. Also, I love the music in Goodfellas and how it spans decades - everything about the movie is just cool. Not to say The Godfather isn't - it's just personal preference. What say you?

I say, you're not Italian - and that's why you've even lumped these together in the same universe. Bad call.

 

There are movies about the Mafia, and then there is The Godfather.

 

I can't believe this is a poll. That's like using Ragu instead of a homemade gravy, or calling it pasta instead of macaroni, or worse yet... noodles with ketchup.

 

Now.. if this poll was Goodfellas vs. Casino or vs. A Bronx Tale - then we can compare. But not this.

 

[VarianStar]

QUOTE (Pags @ Dec 14 2009, 08:09 PM)

There are movies about the Mafia, and then there is The Godfather.

[Finding IT]

For me, the Godfather can stand toe-to-toe with the greats like Citizen Kane, Casablanca, On the Waterfront, etc. It works as both a movie and something that approaches a classic work of art.

[thesweetscience]

QUOTE (thesweetscience @ Dec 14 2009, 07:34 PM)

Its very close but I had to pick "The Godfather".  Both are in my top 5 faves of all time. Edit to add: I have gone back and read the thread after posting and I don't think this is going to be a landslide at all.  I think anyone who likes one will probably  like the other and I think its going to be a tough choice to make.

Don't listen to that TSS. He doesn't know what hes talking about.

[Pags]

QUOTE (thesweetscience @ Dec 15 2009, 09:01 AM)

QUOTE (thesweetscience @ Dec 14 2009, 07:34 PM) Its very close but I had to pick "The Godfather".  Both are in my top 5 faves of all time. Edit to add: I have gone back and read the thread after posting and I don't think this is going to be a landslide at all.  I think anyone who likes one will probably  like the other and I think its going to be a tough choice to make. Don't listen to that TSS. He doesn't know what hes talking about.   And I haven't voted.   In fairness to Goodfelllas, I don't think it's been given an opportunity here to stand out as the astounding movie that it is. It's definitely amongst the best of the mafia style movies ever made (its weak link being Ray Liotta). But putting it up against The Godfather is a serious mis-match, imo. Like Finding IT said, that movie is in a place where only few others get to be.

[GeddyRulz]

So far it's a bit of a landslide, but I'm going to be a heathen and vote for "Goodfellas" along with Goob.

 

Yes... more modern, more believable. And there's more "hits" in it. All the "Godfather" movies seem to follow the same formula, with a bloodbath of hits all coming at the end of a long, drawn-out story. I prefer gangster/mob movies where the hits could come at any time: you know one of the fellas has fukked-up in some way, and you go "Just wait, he's gonna get whacked!" "Goodfellas" fits that bill.

 

Yes, the moral dilemma of Michael Corleone gives "The Godfather" more depth, but give me the less artsy and more modern "Goodfellas."

[ILSnwdog]

Both films are well done, but the Godfather is a masterpiece.

[Sark]

The way Michael Corleone goes from being a fairly wet behind the ears soldier back from World War II, to the head of the family negotiating million-dollar deals is the story that puts it over Goodfellas for me.

[rushgoober]

QUOTE (ILSnwdog @ Dec 15 2009, 07:12 AM)

Both films are well done, but the Godfather is a masterpiece.

I think they both are.

[liquidcrystalcompass]

QUOTE (Pags @ Dec 14 2009, 07:09 PM)

QUOTE (rushgoober @ Dec 14 2009, 05:17 PM) While I suspect that The Godfather will win in a landslide, I've always been partial to Goodfellas. Don't get me wrong, The Godfather is a great, great movie that I've seen many times, but Goodfellas beats it by a nose. I think it's because it's a bit more modern and a bit more believable.  The Godfather has the feeling of a classic fable, whereas Goodfellas feels a bit more real world, probably because it's based on a true story, whereas The Godfather is fictional, even though inspired by anecdotes of real events. Scorcese is a master.  Also, I love the music in Goodfellas and how it spans decades - everything about the movie is just cool.  Not to say The Godfather isn't - it's just personal preference. What say you? I say, you're not Italian - and that's why you've even lumped these together in the same universe. Bad call.   There are movies about the Mafia, and then there is The Godfather.   I can't believe this is a poll. That's like using Ragu instead of a homemade gravy, or calling it pasta instead of macaroni, or worse yet... noodles with ketchup.   Now.. if this poll was Goodfellas vs. Casino or vs. A Bronx Tale - then we can compare. But not this. I was just about to bring up A Bronx Tale.   Anyway, The Godfather and I'm not Italian

[Tick]

I went Goodfellas. I love every second of that movie. No disrespect to the Godfather.

[rushgoober]

QUOTE (Pags @ Dec 14 2009, 05:09 PM)

QUOTE (rushgoober @ Dec 14 2009, 05:17 PM) While I suspect that The Godfather will win in a landslide, I've always been partial to Goodfellas. Don't get me wrong, The Godfather is a great, great movie that I've seen many times, but Goodfellas beats it by a nose. I think it's because it's a bit more modern and a bit more believable.  The Godfather has the feeling of a classic fable, whereas Goodfellas feels a bit more real world, probably because it's based on a true story, whereas The Godfather is fictional, even though inspired by anecdotes of real events. Scorcese is a master.  Also, I love the music in Goodfellas and how it spans decades - everything about the movie is just cool.  Not to say The Godfather isn't - it's just personal preference. What say you? I say, you're not Italian - and that's why you've even lumped these together in the same universe. Bad call.   There are movies about the Mafia, and then there is The Godfather.   I can't believe this is a poll. That's like using Ragu instead of a homemade gravy, or calling it pasta instead of macaroni, or worse yet... noodles with ketchup.   Now.. if this poll was Goodfellas vs. Casino or vs. A Bronx Tale - then we can compare. But not this. I appreciate your point of view, but so far 1/3rd or so of the people have chosen Goodfellas, so it's not universally accepted that The Godfather is the clear winner.   I really do love both though, and no, I'm not Italian.

[Xanadoood]

With all this being said about both films, does anyone else feel the whole Mafia thing has been done to death?..I mean, everyone raved about The Sopranos, but i really couldnt see what the big deal was. After the Godfather and Goodfellas, what more do you need?...

[pt2112]

QUOTE (Xanadoood @ Dec 15 2009, 03:33 PM)

With all this being said about both films, does anyone else feel the whole Mafia thing has been done to death?..I mean, everyone raved about The Sopranos, but i really couldnt see what the big deal was. After the Godfather and Goodfellas, what more do you need?...

My entire Italian family and I would disagree.

[LeaveMyThingAlone]

If these fims are 1-2, I'd put Godfather Part II as third, Donnie Brasco at 4, and A Bronx Tale at 5

 

 

Anyone ever see Godfather Part 3? A good movie, but Sofia Coppola is just brutal and really holds the movie down,...

[Pags]

QUOTE (rushgoober @ Dec 15 2009, 03:07 PM)

QUOTE (Pags @ Dec 14 2009, 05:09 PM) QUOTE (rushgoober @ Dec 14 2009, 05:17 PM) While I suspect that The Godfather will win in a landslide, I've always been partial to Goodfellas. Don't get me wrong, The Godfather is a great, great movie that I've seen many times, but Goodfellas beats it by a nose. I think it's because it's a bit more modern and a bit more believable.  The Godfather has the feeling of a classic fable, whereas Goodfellas feels a bit more real world, probably because it's based on a true story, whereas The Godfather is fictional, even though inspired by anecdotes of real events. Scorcese is a master.  Also, I love the music in Goodfellas and how it spans decades - everything about the movie is just cool.  Not to say The Godfather isn't - it's just personal preference. What say you? I say, you're not Italian - and that's why you've even lumped these together in the same universe. Bad call.   There are movies about the Mafia, and then there is The Godfather.   I can't believe this is a poll. That's like using Ragu instead of a homemade gravy, or calling it pasta instead of macaroni, or worse yet... noodles with ketchup.   Now.. if this poll was Goodfellas vs. Casino or vs. A Bronx Tale - then we can compare. But not this. I appreciate your point of view, but so far 1/3rd or so of the people have chosen Goodfellas, so it's not universally accepted that The Godfather is the clear winner.   I really do love both though, and no, I'm not Italian. Well, for the most part I was joking around. And may Goodfellas take the lead, for all I care. I'm not so much interested in the popular count. Still, Godfather is in a place far beyond anything Goodfellas could ever be, regardless of how great Goodfellas is (because it is).   I'd have a MUCH tougher time if your poll put Goodfellas up against A Bronx Tale. That would leave me unable to decide.

[goose]

QUOTE (Finding IT @ Dec 15 2009, 08:56 AM)

For me, the Godfather can stand toe-to-toe with the greats like Citizen Kane, Casablanca, On the Waterfront, etc. It works as both a movie and something that approaches a classic work of art.

 

Goodfellas is more fun, but the Godfather is more of an accomplishment in film history.

[Hatchetaxe&saw]

Goodfellas, by a whisker's whisker. However if Godfather II was in the poll, I'd have relegated Goodfellas to second place.

 

Goodfellas is almost perfect, GF II is.

Edited December 16, 2009 by Hatchetaxe&saw