Scorsese is obsessed with the mundane and everyday life and experiences of mob life including the brutality. The film has many scenes that make the scene absorbing. One of the outstanding scenes in the film is the pistol whip scene. The character of Henry Hill would have to portray a gangster character to be effective in the film. The setting and dialogue used in the scene portray a violent nature that leads to the abuse of Karen and Henry acts the hero. The point of view in the scene appears confusing as it appears to show the use of violence as a method of seeking justice. The scene helps in creating emotions from Carol for Henry as a result of the heroic act.
Violence is depicted in the scene when Henry whips his pistol at Karen’s neighbor after he tries to assault her sexually. The violence is in context to the general film as it shows the power and ability to use violence and brutality in solving issues. The violent whipping of the gun is meant to scare Karen’s neighbor for his evil acts (Hersey 1). The visual outlook and style of the scene help the audience understand the brutality of being in a mob life. The outlook of the shocking violence makes one understand the twisted morality and quest for justice. The scene leaves the audience to understand that Henry was one of the members of the gang and no longer a silent member of the society. The whip pan as used in the scene would be a symbol of violence and brutality as a mob activity which Henry joined. The whip pan is used by the author as a show of extreme violence that is usually connected to mob justice.
Work Cited
Hersey, Will. Goodfellas at 25: The 5 Greatest scenes. Culture Film. Esquire, 2015. Web. 22
