The 'Hacks' in Goodfellas: A Dive into Prison Guards and Their Role in the Mob

In the 1990 crime film Goodfellas, a term often used is 'hacks.' In this article, we explore the significance of these prison guards in the context of the movie and the real-world implications of their role within the mob.

Understanding 'Hacks'

The term 'hacks' in Goodfellas is synonymous with prison guards, a colloquialism derived from the colloquial term 'hack,' which is frequently used as an acronym for prison guard. These guards are the gatekeepers of the penal system, often serving as both enforcers and protectors, particularly for individuals with mob ties.

As depicted in the movie, prison guards in the mob system played a crucial role in facilitating smuggling, bribing, and entering into various deals, often with a hidden set of rules and privileges that set them apart from other inmates.

The Role of 'Hacks' in the Mob System

The movie portrays guards such as the 'hacks' allowing inmates to smuggle in luxury items like food and wine. These privileges were a form of freedom from the harsh realities of the prison environment, a stark contrast to the lives of law-abiding inmates.

Henry Hill, a key character in the film, describes the situation where even guards who didn't take bribes abided by a code of omerta (code of silence), a principle that reinforced the hidden nature of these transactions. This code of silence ensured that corrupt guards could maintain their positions while showering favors on connected inmates.

The Impact on Guard-Prisoner Dynamics

The 'hacks' in the movie are shown to be significantly affected by the smell of food being cooked by mob-connected inmates. This reaction is not merely physical but symbolic. The guards, who were not allowed to partake in these luxurious meals, were forced to endure the aroma, a constant reminder of the disparities in their work environments.

Tommy, another character, references the term 'say hi to those blowjob hacks...,' which not only implies the nature of favors some inmates might have to do for special privileges but also reflects the underlying tensions between the guards and the mob-connected inmates. These favors often involved personal trade-offs, underscoring the complex moral and ethical landscape of the prison system.

The Broader Context of the Code of Omerta

The code of omerta, as mentioned in the movie, is a code of silence that governs the behavior of individuals in certain social groups, particularly in the Italian-American mob. It discourages members from betraying one another or the group, even when it would be in their personal interest to do so.

This code of omerta extends beyond the prison walls, influencing the relationships between guards and inmates, as well as the overall dynamics within the criminal underworld. It creates a labyrinth of hidden rules and expectations, where trust must be earned and maintained at all costs.

Conclusion

The 'hacks' in Goodfellas represent a more profound layer of the criminal ecosystem, weaving through the fabric of prison life and facilitating the flow of information, goods, and favors within the mob. Understanding this term and its context provides deeper insights into the themes of loyalty, corruption, and the code of omerta that permeate the narrative of the film.

The term 'hacks' in Goodfellas symbolizes much more than just prison guards—it represents the complex interplay of power, privilege, and rectitude within the criminal underworld, making it a pivotal element in the movie's exploration of life in the mob.

Keywords:

Goodfellas, prison guards, mob movies, code of omerta