The Confusing Plot of Goodfellas: Jimmy’s Decision to Kill Morrie

The movies Goodfellas often leaves viewers bewildered by the intricate plot and the characters' motivations, particularly in the scene where Jimmy decides to kill Morrie. Many have pondered why Jimmy initially decided to kill Morrie, then changed his mind, and later had him killed anyway. This article seeks to unravel the layered narrative by exploring the different perspectives and the true motivations behind this complex sequence of events.

Jimmy's Decision: Initial Intent and Henry's Role

Historically, Henry Hill has been portrayed as an unreliable source, raising questions about the veracity of his accounts in the film. Given the context of Jimmy's decisions, it's important to consider the possibility that Jimmy initially intended to instruct Henry to 'forget about tonight,' not because he changed his mind but because Henry was a nag and the involvement of Marty Morris (Marty Krugman in the film) was necessary.

Marty Morris was one of the few trusted bookies in their organization. Killing him would cut off a crucial revenue stream that Jimmy relied on for making money. This, combined with Henry's insistent demand for his share of around 500,000 dollars, made it all the more tempting for Jimmy to fulfill his demand.

The Real Motivation Behind the Change of Heart

Jimmy's unchanged willingness to whack Marty is evident in his response before Henry, which reflects his unchangeable intent. His phrasing 'you're not on board, don't worry about it' indicates that he never truly changed his mind but rather, he excluded Henry from the decision-making process. This interpretation aligns with the fact that Marty should have kept quiet, but he didn't.

Jimmy and Angelo Sepe, who were known to be brutal and ruthless killers, were likely responsible for the actual murder. They chopped up Marty and buried him. This action underscores the importance of James 'Jimmy' Palmer and Angelo Sepe in the crime, as suspected by their self-serving but crucial role in Henry Hill's admissions and the film's narrative.

Why Henry Hill Is Not the Final Word on the Truth

Given Henry Hill's history as a self-serving and unreliable narrator, his claims regarding the murder should be taken with a grain of salt. The film takes certain liberties with his self-narrated account, characterizing Tommy DeVito (Tommy DeSimone) as the one who stabbed Krugman, which is inaccurate. In reality, according to Hill, Angelo Sepe, who is loosely based on the comic and ineffectual Frankie Carbone, was the actual killer. Sepe was a brutal and ruthless killer known for his involvement in the Lufthansa robbery.

Frankie Carbone's portrayal in the film is a far cry from the reality – a remorseless, widely feared killer who did fewer such killings. Henry Hill's own modus operandi and his admissions make him a strong suspect in the actual murder of Krugman, as he lured the victim to the place where he would be killed.

Conclusion

The intricate plot in Goodfellas reveals the complex dynamics of gang culture and the murky waters of loyalty and betrayal. Jimmy's decision to kill Morrie is a testament to the insidious nature of crime and the manipulation of truth for convenience. Henry Hill's portrayal, while crucial to the film's narrative, should not be considered the final authority on the truth. The real story remains shrouded in mystery, a product of reality and cinematic fabrication.