Yes, the long single cut is amazing and a Scorsese trademark. But that song makes this scene. It's sets the time and place like almost no other song could do. It just so defines that era.
The power of this scene lies in the steady camera, and the dialogue. By giving us one long shot of Henry and Karen simply walking through this place while Henry talks to the people he's passing by with utmost friendliness and familiarity, it shows us how seamlessly Hill has integrated himself into the mob life. Simply brilliant.
He went through the back door because it was the shortcut - not because the Copa was embarrassed to have him enter through the front. The Copa, along with El Morocco, was the place to be if you had money - movie star, mobster, Duke, businessman, show girl - it catered to anyone with money.
Yes, but also, this shot is from not really from Henry's POV -- it's reallyKaren's. To Henry this whole experience is as regular as that Bouncer-type eating a sandwich in the hallway they pass; for Karen, it's her first taste of an exotic, almost celebrity lifestyle where everything is on a first-name basis, and big tips flow casually from one palm to the other as freely as greetings.
I just noticed they had no reason to walk through the kitchen at all other than the shot, the hall they entered from is right next to the hall they enter the main room from. Instead of just continuing straight they went through the whole kitchen
Everybody talks about the steadicam one take, which is brilliant, but the way Scorsese perfectly syncs it to "And Then He Kissed Me" really sells it. This one scene perfectly explains to the audience why a nice girl like Karen would fall for a hoodlum like Henry with hardly any dialogue at all. It's a perfect scene from a perfect movie.
Tony Soprano 550 I’m not a goodfella, just my good old friend from high school runs the club like this one and workers serve me like a I’m Frankie Vale or some king of big shot. When +40 people staying inline waiting to go in, me and my gfs walk trough the kitchen from backdoor.
If you look up and see how the real Hendry Hill ended up you'd think very differently. Besides, in today's modern society you can afford to take your girl out to a nice club and get VIP service. Unless you're a dirt cheap Broke-Ass chump, but then you would be below a regular guy.
Just be grateful that you haven't had to endure the painful transition from the high life, to mediocrity. It's a scab that's picked often, and bleeds regularly. Then you remember you're just grateful to be alive. That's what I assume anyway.
My aunt was a waitress at the famous Pepe's pizza in New Haven and a Friday night usually involves a 1hr+ wait time. Me and a girl I was taking out for the first time went there and she had us come through the back thru the kitchen while the line went out the door. Tipping my hat to the chefs and the people I knew there made me feel like Henry Hill in this scene lol
PEPES!!! I lived in New Haven for a while and a couple yrs my apartment was literally on the other side of the fence from Pepes. The smell was freakin amazing when I’d come home from work
@J Ygb, From what I have read and heard, the actual cause of death was never revealed. The only thing I know for certain is that Ray Liotta died in his sleep while in the Dominican Republic. He was there to shoot a movie.
Fun fact, the hallway the exit into from the Kitchen was the same one they walked through to enter it. They ended up looping in the Kitchen to make the shot longer.
crimsonECH1DNA idk if it was to make it longer lol, i think it's just Henry showing off his social status, a good way into a woman's pants is to show her that you are an important man.
The restaurant didn’t allow them to shoot the entrance of the restaurant for publicity purposes of being in a mob movie. Of course Scorsese turned this into one of the greatest scenes of all time by taking this restriction to his advantage. This is what actually happened.
thats whtai noticed when i first watched it lol it always kinda bugged me but it was that long scene shot that makes it good. just like in casino the desert scene when nickie drives on i the desert sand it the tires squeel lol
The restaurant didn’t allow them to shoot the entrance of the restaurant for publicity purposes of being in a mob movie. Of course Scorsese turned this into one of the greatest scenes of all time by taking this restriction to his advantage. This is what actually happened.
@@lorrilewis2178 I wouldnt say that, hes showing off how well known and respected he is by everyone. Most people would be impressed by that to some degree.
That walk from car to table (and Mr. Tony) - wow - no cuts (the average :30 Tv commercial has 25-30 edits some 50). Swaggering, cocky Henry never makes a wrong turn, instinctively guides them through turns in the suffocating catacombs of the kitchen, as he's familiarly done a thousand times before... The Crystals such perfect striding music. The employees, so great, too! Magnificent.
This iconic shot was done on the 8th take and the steadicam operator directed Ray Liotta (Henry Hill) to pause every so often to let the camera catch up to him at the bottom of the stairs. This is why Henry stops every so often to tip doormen or to comment to the couple in the corner.
Classic use of a "Steady Cam" for the one take! Also reminds me of going to the old "Latin Casino" in Cherry Hill NJ back in the early 70's!! Not thu the kitchen, but had some "Connections" that got me to the front of the line!!!
It's awesome that they got Henny Youngman to play himself. He's the Borscht Belt comedian who coined "take my wife...please!" in the era that part of Goodfellas takes place (of course, he was much younger then).
Ahh..too bad scene couldnt go a bit longer...one of the best Benny Youngmans jokes...The guy goes to the doctor and the doctor tells him he has cancer and he has 6 months to live...but the guy doesnt have enough money to pay the bill...Doc says thats OK...gives him another 6 months to live...lollol
@tenactitans , That's true. However, in the case of Ray Liotta, it was a shock for a few reasons. For one thing, he was not that old. He was only 67. Also, he seemed to be as active as ever when it came to making movies. At the time of his death, Ray Liotta was in the Dominican Republic and was in the process of shooting a movie when he died unexpectedly. In addition, no cause of death was ever revealed. It is possible that Ray Liotta had some health issues but didn't go public about it.
god this such an effective scene. and such a pain in the ASS as a cameraman. dodging all those people while still trying to make it realistic? yikes. but this is easily one of my favorite continuous shots ever. the only rivals in my opinion are the tricycle scene from the shining for its use of sound or the hijacking scene from true detective b/c it is just badass and super professional. but this is probably the best. understated, you get a real sense of the main character. following them down to the basement of the building, you get a feeling that this guy is in 'below the ground level' and part of something the general public just isn't. its not just the framing, but the physical location of the characters that makes this scene effective. very cool.
Check out 'I Am Cuba' from 1964 for some extraordinary continuous takes. Scorsese himself is a big admirer and PT Anderson 'quoted' from it in Boogie Nights.
@norsemustang Henry Hill is the one looking down and then looks and moves to the left at 1:12. Ray Liotta looks over his shoulder as if to see what he's making. I love this classic scene and music!
this scene changed cinema. One could argue this steady stream of a single shot moving from one location to another was a creation of scorsese. This scene made the wonderful effects of Birdman possible
The first ever use of the steadicam was in Rocky, the first ever one built. It was big and clunky and you could hear the sound of it in the background. It was the scene where he walks down the street at the beginning of the film and then when he is sprinting in front of the ship at the end of his training montage.
The TEDtalk is called "Rob Legato: The art of creating awe", its around the 13:16 mark in video. Though I recommend watching the whole presentation, it's very interesting!
He bumped into something at 1:14 and they just left it in....no re-take....because it makes it look authentic. Some directors might have re-shot the whole scene.
"My wife asked me where to go for our anniversary somewhere she hasn't been to before I said try the kitchen" lol omg that line from that comedian was top notch in my opinion and no I'm not sexiest.
As an editor myself I absolutely LOVE extended one-shot takes like this (and can appreciate being handed an entire scene that I can just drop into a cut of a movie and not have to make any edits). The kitchen walk-through is especially impressive with all of the coordination going on, and you even see Ray Liotta (RIP) apparently accidently bump into a counter and just keep on going. I wonder how many takes it took to get this right?
@@Mazrim420 Wow, 8 whole takes? That must have been aggravating. Thanks for the info. I'd love to see a montage of the different takes and where they screwed up to have to start over each time.
There is another interview with the actual camera man who explains it all better. Basically they did it all once, and realized it needed work. They had to improvise how to make it better on each take pretty much, like putting in a doorman and getting Ray to stop and hand him money and greet random people so that the cameraman could catch up with him and keep the shots wide and show you all the details and not just up close on the actors.@@ZZZGGGLLLAAAHHH
The drum hit on "I'm a Union Delagate". Perfect.
"The king of the one liner" follows it just after as well, always makes me laugh.
That was a roll, signalling the audience that the act was about to start.
commissionergordan LoL did not noticed that.
...and what about those maniured nails"shut up,some details best not to pick about,enjoy the ride😎"
* delegate
Yes, the long single cut is amazing and a Scorsese trademark. But that song makes this scene. It's sets the time and place like almost no other song could do. It just so defines that era.
ldmax true my friend
AND THEN HE KISSED MEEEEEEEEEEE
Watch Alfonso Cuaron movies, they have cuts that go beyond 10 minutes
I always love it when 90s movies portray the 50s or 60s. They give it such a uniquely colorful and wild-look to it.
Plus the soundtrack
@King Of Cool Yeah. At worst I heard: "Welcome to the 80s" seriously who says that?
And the 70s (for Boogie Nights)
TheGooners11 dying? It’s been dead for a while
This is about the 70’s but I get the point
The power of this scene lies in the steady camera, and the dialogue. By giving us one long shot of Henry and Karen simply walking through this place while Henry talks to the people he's passing by with utmost friendliness and familiarity, it shows us how seamlessly Hill has integrated himself into the mob life. Simply brilliant.
And he had to go through the back door to do it.
He went through the back door because it was the shortcut - not because the Copa was embarrassed to have him enter through the front. The Copa, along with El Morocco, was the place to be if you had money - movie star, mobster, Duke, businessman, show girl - it catered to anyone with money.
Yes, but also, this shot is from not really from Henry's POV -- it's reallyKaren's. To Henry this whole experience is as regular as that Bouncer-type eating a sandwich in the hallway they pass; for Karen, it's her first taste of an exotic, almost celebrity lifestyle where everything is on a first-name basis, and big tips flow casually from one palm to the other as freely as greetings.
I just noticed they had no reason to walk through the kitchen at all other than the shot, the hall they entered from is right next to the hall they enter the main room from. Instead of just continuing straight they went through the whole kitchen
Guys at the next table sending him a bottle of wine to drink and they raise their glasses salute to Herny and Karen.
This scene shows Henry at his apex. Introducing Karen to this seductive
Lifestyle. Brilliant Scorcese!
And Karen look beautiful as ever, and that dress hugging her body, yes.
It’s bs Henry never did this it’s made up crap
Yeah, it's 90% bullshit. But it's entertaining. That's why I watch it. Now you entertain me with your bullshit... @@sappermade6012
Everybody talks about the steadicam one take, which is brilliant, but the way Scorsese perfectly syncs it to "And Then He Kissed Me" really sells it. This one scene perfectly explains to the audience why a nice girl like Karen would fall for a hoodlum like Henry with hardly any dialogue at all. It's a perfect scene from a perfect movie.
EricJ At the time Karen doesn’t know Henry is a hoodlum. She learns that later.
This scene always reminds me how shitty it is to be a regular guy.
+luvfreedom Yeah but they always have to use the back door
Tony Soprano 550 I’m not a goodfella, just my good old friend from high school runs the club like this one and workers serve me like a I’m Frankie Vale or some king of big shot. When +40 people staying inline waiting to go in, me and my gfs walk trough the kitchen from backdoor.
luvfreedom a schnook
If you look up and see how the real Hendry Hill ended up you'd think very differently. Besides, in today's modern society you can afford to take your girl out to a nice club and get VIP service. Unless you're a dirt cheap Broke-Ass chump, but then you would be below a regular guy.
Just be grateful that you haven't had to endure the painful transition from the high life, to mediocrity. It's a scab that's picked often, and bleeds regularly. Then you remember you're just grateful to be alive. That's what I assume anyway.
My aunt was a waitress at the famous Pepe's pizza in New Haven and a Friday night usually involves a 1hr+ wait time. Me and a girl I was taking out for the first time went there and she had us come through the back thru the kitchen while the line went out the door. Tipping my hat to the chefs and the people I knew there made me feel like Henry Hill in this scene lol
PEPES!!!
I lived in New Haven for a while and a couple yrs my apartment was literally on the other side of the fence from Pepes. The smell was freakin amazing when I’d come home from work
Anthony I have to know did she blow your whistle that night?
I hope your marriage will always be Blessed and Fruitful.
Maybe, but Henry was a snitch & a pathological liar that often-told tales that made him seem far more important than he ever was.
Did you both get soft drinks of choice?
My doctor gave me 6 months to live. I told him I couldn't pay the bill. He gave me another 6 months.
Anthony Vesona underrated comment
What a funny guy
Nick Konstant funny how?
I like you man, don't die yet.
dangerfield
RIP Ray Liotta. This scene will go down on history books.
I still find it shocking to think that Ray Liotta died. He seemed like he was going to go on forever.
@J Ygb, From what I have read and heard, the actual cause of death was never revealed. The only thing I know for certain is that Ray Liotta died in his sleep while in the Dominican Republic. He was there to shoot a movie.
Technically Henry wasn't lying when he said " I'm a union delegate". The Mafia owned the unions 🤣🤣🤣. Brilliant.
Homer: “What’s this job pay?”
Carl: “Nothin’!”
Homer: “D’oh!”
Carl: “Unless you’re crooked!”
Homer: “WOO-HOO!”
Nothing has changed - although the term ‘mafia’ has been replaced by ‘Davos psychopaths and eugenicists’
They still do.
Every time I come here, EVERY TIME, you two. DON'T YOU WORK?!
*Shakes his middle finger, index finger and thumb in disappointment."
One of the most brilliantly shot scenes in all of film history. Shows the true genus of Scorsese.
Fun fact, the hallway the exit into from the Kitchen was the same one they walked through to enter it. They ended up looping in the Kitchen to make the shot longer.
your right
crimsonECH1DNA idk if it was to make it longer lol, i think it's just Henry showing off his social status, a good way into a woman's pants is to show her that you are an important man.
I was wondering that. Ive been in those kitchens. Shouldn't take that long to walk through it.
The restaurant didn’t allow them to shoot the entrance of the restaurant for publicity purposes of being in a mob movie. Of course Scorsese turned this into one of the greatest scenes of all time by taking this restriction to his advantage. This is what actually happened.
thats whtai noticed when i first watched it lol it always kinda bugged me but it was that long scene shot that makes it good. just like in casino the desert scene when nickie drives on i the desert sand it the tires squeel lol
who are the 9 losers that don't recognize the brilliance of this scene? simple one of the greatest scenes ever!
The restaurant didn’t allow them to shoot the entrance of the restaurant for publicity purposes of being in a mob movie. Of course Scorsese turned this into one of the greatest scenes of all time by taking this restriction to his advantage. This is what actually happened.
A legendary mafia movie and all the actors and actresses put on great performances and a bunch of classic lines
My wife said she wanted to go somewhere she'd never been before, I said try the kitchen.
Stefan.J Collins I take my wife everywhere but she always finds her way home!
Hahaha!
Give her 6 months
Take My Wife, Please!
I ain't arguing with that.
- Johnny Depp
The Goodfellas tracking shot is the greatest scene ever shot. Martin Scorsese only makes the best films ever made. Guaranteed.
How to Impress a Woman 101
Benjamin Jack Kata Finau this is the finals of senior year
pull out your wallet.
But-but what about personality and kindness?!
No. It's how to impress an immature woman.
@@lorrilewis2178 I wouldnt say that, hes showing off how well known and respected he is by everyone. Most people would be impressed by that to some degree.
That walk from car to table (and Mr. Tony) - wow - no cuts (the average :30 Tv commercial has 25-30 edits some 50). Swaggering, cocky Henry never makes a wrong turn, instinctively guides them through turns in the suffocating catacombs of the kitchen, as he's familiarly done a thousand times before... The Crystals such perfect striding music. The employees, so great, too! Magnificent.
What an absolute iconic, classic scene. One of the best films EVER.
Haha my grandfather was the captain at the copacobana (the one in the blue suit) it's so awesome seeing it here
Aidan Polemeni really?
This iconic shot was done on the 8th take and the steadicam operator directed Ray Liotta (Henry Hill) to pause every so often to let the camera catch up to him at the bottom of the stairs. This is why Henry stops every so often to tip doormen or to comment to the couple in the corner.
@Barry Obama In an interview with the cameraman.
@Barry Obama If you're asking if I liked what I just wrote, why would I say something if I didn't like it?
This scene is so famous it has a nickname "the copa"
“What do you do?”
“I’m a waste management consultant.”
Everybody immediately assumes you're mobbed up. It's a stereotype. And it's offensive!
Classic use of a "Steady Cam" for the one take! Also reminds me of going to the old "Latin Casino" in Cherry Hill NJ back in the early 70's!! Not thu the kitchen, but had some "Connections" that got me to the front of the line!!!
The camera work and the timing make this a fantastic scene. Really a running set of multiple scenes.
"So what do you do?" "I'm in waste management."
*Get it?*
@justin6241983 --Dr. Melfi!
Somewhere Tony soprano is raging
Waste management everyone assumes you're mobbed up.
One of my favorite movies. It was love on the first watching and it still lasts.
this is the best scene ever
romantic scene ever
Always loved this scene. The choice of music was perfect
I love the Family Guy interpretation of this scene
It's awesome that they got Henny Youngman to play himself. He's the Borscht Belt comedian who coined "take my wife...please!" in the era that part of Goodfellas takes place (of course, he was much younger then).
All in one take. Great scene
how romantic
Yeah, I'm gonna say it: Screw you, Dances with Wolves.
Seriously. Dances With Wolves needs to go home and get its fucking shinebox.
You're a funny guy
FifaMobile TomSawyer funny how?
This is my favorite scene of the movie. The fact that it was all a one shot scene, made it even better.
Oh man this scene is legendary.
I take my wife everywhere but she keeps finding her way back home..
Saw it the first time last night this was easily one of the coolest scenes I've ever seen on screen
Ahh..too bad scene couldnt go a bit longer...one of the best Benny Youngmans jokes...The guy goes to the doctor and the doctor tells him he has cancer and he has 6 months to live...but the guy doesnt have enough money to pay the bill...Doc says thats OK...gives him another 6 months to live...lollol
RIP Henry Hill. The coolest "rat" there ever was. BTW - Who would ever "dislike" this clip?
Every time I come here! Every time, you two!
Great scene...Lorraine Bracco was wearing the hell out of that dress as well. The comments here are fantastic!
One take.
Incredible.
I love how he bought time asking “what?” Then almost cut her off by saying he’s in construction. Great movie.
" take my wife...please!". You'd think Jimmy Conway could have hired Rupert Pupkin to do the stand-up at least!
This is one of the best “one takes” in film history. So fucking good.
For sure, True Detective season 1, Boogie Nights, The Revenant, Birdman, Gravity and Children of Men all up there too with savage long one takes.
Scene's simply beautiful
R.I.P. Ray Liotta
ALL-TIME FAVORITE SCENE.... THAT'S PULL....I LOVE IT....
Love this scene. Love this song 💋
Can believe we lost you, Ray. Rest easy
People die
@tenactitans , That's true. However, in the case of Ray Liotta, it was a shock for a few reasons. For one thing, he was not that old. He was only 67. Also, he seemed to be as active as ever when it came to making movies. At the time of his death, Ray Liotta was in the Dominican Republic and was in the process of shooting a movie when he died unexpectedly. In addition, no cause of death was ever revealed. It is possible that Ray Liotta had some health issues but didn't go public about it.
I like coming in this way, no line. (Classic Liotta laugh)
I Love how Henry walked in like he owned the place.
god this such an effective scene. and such a pain in the ASS as a cameraman. dodging all those people while still trying to make it realistic? yikes. but this is easily one of my favorite continuous shots ever. the only rivals in my opinion are the tricycle scene from the shining for its use of sound or the hijacking scene from true detective b/c it is just badass and super professional. but this is probably the best. understated, you get a real sense of the main character. following them down to the basement of the building, you get a feeling that this guy is in 'below the ground level' and part of something the general public just isn't. its not just the framing, but the physical location of the characters that makes this scene effective. very cool.
Andrew Sheppard a lot of the tracking shots in Children of Men wouls make my list. And the one from Raging Bull.
carlito's way
Check out 'I Am Cuba' from 1964 for some extraordinary continuous takes. Scorsese himself is a big admirer and PT Anderson 'quoted' from it in Boogie Nights.
RIP Copacabanna. Another Covid victim of 2020.
Greatest night of Henry's life. Not only is he the man, the love of his life sees it and all that respect.
This is my all-time favorite scene from any movie! I love it!
@norsemustang Henry Hill is the one looking down and then looks and moves to the left at 1:12. Ray Liotta looks over his shoulder as if to see what he's making. I love this classic scene and music!
Tops to the editing team, music score, and the ever impressive Ray Liotta
this scene changed cinema. One could argue this steady stream of a single shot moving from one location to another was a creation of scorsese. This scene made the wonderful effects of Birdman possible
The first ever use of the steadicam was in Rocky, the first ever one built. It was big and clunky and you could hear the sound of it in the background. It was the scene where he walks down the street at the beginning of the film and then when he is sprinting in front of the ship at the end of his training montage.
My favorite scene….fantastic...
The TEDtalk is called "Rob Legato: The art of creating awe", its around the 13:16 mark in video. Though I recommend watching the whole presentation, it's very interesting!
RIP Ray Liotta
The Director proved his greatness here.
Rest in Peace Ray Lotta 🙏 Paul Savino Good Fellas to End
He bumped into something at 1:14 and they just left it in....no re-take....because it makes it look authentic. Some directors might have re-shot the whole scene.
The Question is, why do they walk in and out of the kitchen through the same door.
Noticed that years ago. Good eye.
Had this Song on my Mind .... this Morning ~ Luv this Scene !
What a brilliant scene ! What a brillaiant movie !
Without any doubt, a masterpiece.
Gr from France
I think this and the "funny" scene might be two of the best scenes ever made for movies ever.
This was a real life mob hangout back in the days! Real popular with mob guys
Those were the days. Before Rico, Giuliani, Gotti, Little Vic, Gaspipe, and the 3rd Columbo war.
I love how they made something that is just mentioned in passing one of the most memorable things in the whole film
Best scene in the movie. Continuous camera shot from one angle as they stroll through...
You gave them 20$ each... its alright.
Damn henry was literally giving away money
Gino’s sandwich looks good
Goodfellas is one of my favorite gangster films ever 😃
Just love this movie. This and gladiator are my favs
"My wife asked me where to go for our anniversary somewhere she hasn't been to before I said try the kitchen" lol omg that line from that comedian was top notch in my opinion and no I'm not sexiest.
I'm offended and I find that women.
azu111 I'll be straight with u I don't know how to respond to ur comment it's a little funny in my opinion.
Loyalguardian6000 I think his comment was a joke, making fun of over-sensitive women.
SoleMan117 ok I get now lol thx for explaining.
I had our Videographer Film us being Introduced at our wedding while this song Played and we walked the room. It went down a Storm
That was one perfect seamless shot. Probably a nightmare to shoot
As an editor myself I absolutely LOVE extended one-shot takes like this (and can appreciate being handed an entire scene that I can just drop into a cut of a movie and not have to make any edits). The kitchen walk-through is especially impressive with all of the coordination going on, and you even see Ray Liotta (RIP) apparently accidently bump into a counter and just keep on going. I wonder how many takes it took to get this right?
In the behind closed doors goodfellas interviews on Reelz, Scorsese said this scene took 8 takes.
@@Mazrim420 Wow, 8 whole takes? That must have been aggravating. Thanks for the info. I'd love to see a montage of the different takes and where they screwed up to have to start over each time.
There is another interview with the actual camera man who explains it all better. Basically they did it all once, and realized it needed work. They had to improvise how to make it better on each take pretty much, like putting in a doorman and getting Ray to stop and hand him money and greet random people so that the cameraman could catch up with him and keep the shots wide and show you all the details and not just up close on the actors.@@ZZZGGGLLLAAAHHH
Take my wife please!
Amazing delivery and a hilarious way to finish a top scene.
"Every time I come here, you two...Every time! Don't you work?!"
Strictly on a technical level, this is the best scene in the film.
Probably the greatest scene ever.
Pretty impressive how they glided on into the most swankiest place right up front without waiting in line.
Love this scene.
Doctor gave him 6 months to live. Guy couldn’t pay his bill. Gave him another 6 months
He watches the car for me....
Scene always brings a smile to my face
A true masterpiece of film
What a way to impress your date.
One of the best gangster movies ever in top 5 movies ever released from Hollywood
Only Martin Scorsese that can direct that crowd.
She did the least acting of pretty much anyone in this scene but totally nailed it. Less was definitely so much more in this instance.
Always loved this film
Rip Ray
“Take my wife please!”