Unveiling the Endings: How The Godfather and Goodfellas Differ

The Godfather and Goodfellas stand as two iconic pillars in the world of crime fiction, much like the differences between alcohol and cocaine. While both films are set in a world of crime and violence, the endings of these two classics offer a profound contrast that speaks volumes about their narratives and thematic substance.

The Literary Difference: A Comparison of Endings

While it’s difficult to articulate the differences in terms of literary elements, the endings of these two films can be understood in terms of substance and emotion. The Godfather is a classic crime story wrapped in an old-school romance, much like alcohol; its ending is a drawn-out, painful defeat, begging for reflection and understanding. Conversely, Goodfellas is a modern crime story wrapped in a contemporary romance, akin to cocaine, its ending a quick, high, and more immediate feeling of being caught and disappointed.

The Godfather: A Tragedy of Loss and Regret

The Godfather, depending on which chapter we refer to, is like a Shakespearean tragedy. The triumph of Michael Corleone is marred by the heavy price he pays and the tragic implications of his actions. The ending of the first film suggests that the marriage between Michael and Kay is effectively over, a consequence of the lies and changes he has endured. The final shot, a painful and drawn-out death, speaks to the intricate cost of power and the destructive nature of his choices.

Goodfellas: A Bitter Comedy in Realism

On the other hand, Goodfellas offers a more ironic and quirky ending, a blend of realism and comedy. Henry Hill, the main character, finds himself in a witness protection program, a situation he is not pleased with, though he should be thrilled to be alive. This ending is filled with a bitter comic aspect. Henry, in his voice-over narration, expresses his regret only in one aspect: he was unlucky enough to get caught. There is a notable lack of a “lesson learned” in this story. Henry does not feel bad about his crimes or regret his actions; instead, he proclaims that being a “wise guy” is the only way to live, and he doesn’t regret betraying his friends. The film ends without the protagonist coming to any profound realization about his past actions.

Comparative Analysis: Tragedy vs. Corruption

The Godfather can be equated with alcohol. It hits you more slowly, providing a long, drawn-out buzz that is tinged with enchantment, followed by brawls and a messy aftermath. This ancient and traditional tale fits the old-school narrative, hinting at a time before World War II, a period of creativity and indulgence. The ending is reminiscent of a deep, poetic novel, where each character's fate is a tragic inevitability.

Goodfellas, on the other hand, is more like cocaine in its storytelling. It’s quick, immediate, and more about getting high and feeling alive, even if that feeling is more pathetic and ephemeral. It’s a tale that resonates with the modern, present, and unreflective mindset, akin to a fast-paced, captivating play-by-play, or a pornographic narrative. The characters in this story exclude any form of remorse, instead focusing on their last moments of freedom and the unfulfilled excitement that their arrest brings.

A Tragic Omega and a Bitter Finale

The endings of both films offer a stark contrast. The Godfather’s ending is filled with reflection and regret, as Michael triumphs tragically and the marriage ends. There is a powerful sense of defeat and the lingering impact of his decisions. In contrast, Goodfellas’ ending is all about the immediate and the high, without any sense of a lesson learned. The main character, Henry, does not regret the crimes he has committed or his betrayals; he only expresses regret over his bad luck, suggesting a shallow and untroubled mindset.

In a tragic ending, the protagonist usually regrets a significant decision. For example, Othello’s regret for taking Desdemona’s life and Macbeth’s regret for murdering Duncan. However, in Goodfellas, the main character does not reflect or regret, only expressing a sense of disappointment at his luck.

Conclusion

From a literary standpoint, the endings of The Godfather and Goodfellas present a stark contrast, reflecting the difference between old-school tragedy and modern, immediate corruption. While The Godfather’s ending is a complex journey of loss and reflection, the ending of Goodfellas is a dispassionate, immediate descent, leaving readers and viewers with a final thought that is equally powerful, albeit in a different manner.