Continuity Errors in Goodfellas: The Truth Behind Morrie’s Body

Often scrutinized by film enthusiasts and critics, Goodfellas is a dark and gritty portrayal of mob life in the 1970s. A common topic of debate among viewers is the scene where Jimmy (played by Robert De Niro) instructs Tommy (Joe Pesci) to chop up Morrie's body, only to later see an abandoned car with Morrie and his wife inside. Many viewers believe this to be a continuity error. However, as we will explore, this scene is not an error but a deliberate choice to emphasize the brutal and chaotic nature of mob life.

?n Thaku: Not Morrie in the Pink Cadillac

The confusion often arises from a scene where a couple resembling Morrie and his wife is seen in a pink Cadillac. In reality, this was Johnny Roastbeef and his wife. They were killed due to their ties to the Lufthansa Heist. This clear misidentification among fans reflects the complexity of the movie's storyline and the interwoven plotlines of various characters.

Recognizing Discrepancies

The discrepancy in the scene is further highlighted by the fact that the clean-shaven man seen in the pink Cadillac was actually Johnny Roastbeef. The existence of a new car invoice visible on the window pane also dispels any doubt. The book Wiseguy, from which the movie is based, mentions Teresa, a girlfriend of one of the heist participants who worked at a Mafia-owned bridal shop. She was involved in the plot and later disappears without a trace, thus adding another layer of complexity to the story.

Mob Life and Its Consequences

The filmmakers chose this particular scene to showcase the ruthless reality of mob life. By juxtaposing the earlier scene where Jimmy gives instructions to chop up Morrie's body with the later scene of the abandoned car, the movie underscores the cold and calculated nature of the mobsters' actions. The lack of concern for human life is reinforced, highlighting the themes of violence and moral decay central to the film.

Further Clarification

Another point of confusion is the identity of the couple in the pink Cadillac. Picture credits and book references clearly indicate that they were Johnny Roastbeef and his new wife, not Morrie and Belle. The connection is further made by the visibility of the new car invoice on the window. This detail adds depth to the narrative, making the scenes more engaging and less erroneous.

Conclusion

Far from a simple continuity error, the scene involving Morrie's and his wife's abandoned car serves a specific purpose within the film's narrative and themes. It highlights the stark contrast between the mobsters' intentions and the grim consequences of their actions, thus enriching the overall viewing experience and deepening the thematic exploration of the movie.

In essence, the scenes involving Morrie and his wife are not errors but deliberate choices to underscore the harsh realities of mob life. By highlighting these details, the film delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of organized crime and its corrupting influence.