Tommy DeVito: Casting a Vicious Sociopath in 'Goodfellas'

The Enigma of Tommy DeVito

Tommy DeVito is an intriguing character often portrayed in Martin Scorsese's films, most notably in the movie Goodfellas. He embodies the essence of an amped-up Maffia sociopath, but the question remains: How realistic is his portrayal?

Realism in Deception: Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas

In the film, Tommy DeVito (Tommy DeVito as portrayed by Joe Pesci) is the lightning rod, the character who lights up the screen with his raw energy and sociopathic demeanor. However, in real life, this character would be a significant problem. Sociopaths in real life don't work well in the intricately structured and discrete world of organized crime. They draw too much attention, making them liabilities rather than assets.

The Mafia Code and Sociopathy

The Mafia's code emphasizes maintaining a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention from law enforcement, and conducting business with a certain level of decorum. Tommy DeVito, as seen in Goodfellas, is the antithesis of this ideal. He is loud, brash, and prone to violent outbursts, which often lead to unwanted attention. This stark contrast is highlighted when compared to the character of Jimmy Conway, played by Robert De Niro. Jimmy Conway is portrayed as a more calculated and strategic figure, embodying the qualities of a seasoned mobster who understands the importance of operating in the shadows.

The Real-Life Tommy DeVito: Thomas DeSimone

The real-life inspiration for Tommy DeVito was Thomas DeSimone of the Lucchese crime family. Much like his cinematic counterpart, DeSimone was known for his violent temper and impulsive actions, leading to his downfall. Even within the mob, there are limits to what is tolerated. DeSimone's violent behavior made him a liability, and he was ultimately killed by his associates, a harsh reality for those who fail to adhere to the rules of the mob.

Short-term Success and Long-term Plausibility

The character of Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas represents a short-term success that is ultimately unsustainable. His volatile behavior and lack of self-control make him a high-risk partner in the complex world of organized crime. Jimmy Conway, on the other hand, is a more calculated and strategic figure. A seasoned mobster like Jimmy Burke would likely see the danger in associating with someone like Tommy DeVito and would carefully avoid such relationships to ensure his long-term success and survival.

Cautionary Tale: Unchecked Sociopathy

Joe Pesci's portrayal of Tommy DeVito is a brilliant display of intensity, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked sociopathy. The character's downfall is almost inevitable given his inability to control his violent urges and his disregard for the code that governs organized crime. Goodfellas offers a stark reminder that those who play with fire are destined to get burned, be it in the lavish world of the mob or in any other environment marked by such reckless behavior.

Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas stands out as a vivid symbol of the sociopath's volatile nature and the price they often pay for their lack of control and empathy. It is a story of both cinematic and real-life intrigue, where a character's brilliance can also be their downfall.