Was Paulie Really the One Who Ordered the Hit on Tommy DeSimone?

In the movie Goodfellas, a debate arises around Paulie whether he was the one who ordered the hit on Tommy DeSimone. Some contend that Paulie's actions were a result of pressure from the Genovese Family, while others argue that Paulie was complicit in Tommy's demise due to his own liabilities and leverage over co-conspirators.

Paulie and the Order for the Hit

The assertion that Paulie gave the green light for the hit on Tommy DeSimone primarily arises from Henry Hill's narration in the film. However, it's essential to consider that Henry is an unreliable witness, known for his biased and self-serving accounts. His uncertainty and reluctance to face the truth complicate the matter.

According to the film, Jimmy declares to Tutti that Paulie's brother Tommy had been killed. Tutti, acknowledging the news without any perceived need for vengeance or notable distress, suggests that Paulie was already aware of the hit and did not attempt to stop it. This nonchalance could indicate that Paulie was deeply involved in the decision, possibly due to his own troubles and the intricate web of criminal relationships within the Lucchese family.

The Role of Paulie and the Lucchese Crime Family

Paulie, as a captain in the Lucchese crime family, held considerable power and influence. Tommy DeSimone, being a made man, was not someone to be trifled with. The film hints at the possibility that Paulie took Tommy's situation into his own hands, especially given Tommy's involvement in the detrimental heist of the Lufthansa and his history of violence and betrayal.

Argument Against Paulie's Involvement

It's also plausible that Henry Hill was directly responsible for the hit. Tommy's role in the Lufthansa heist, involving a significant error by leaving his wallet in a van meant to be destroyed, and his history of violence, show that he was far from an indispensable figure. Henry's own involvement in the murder of Billy Batts and his continuing involvement in drug dealing provided Paulie with a strong motive to silence Tommy to protect Henry's interests.

Given that Paulie held a great deal of leverage over Henry due to his involvement in sensitive affairs, it is reasonable to ponder that Paulie may have used this leverage to farm out the hit to someone like Henry. The aforementioned scene of Jimmy's anger and Henry's attempts to cry might have been fabricated by Henry to prevent his own involvement in the hit from being discovered.

Conclusion

The question of who was behind the hit on Tommy DeSimone remains shrouded in uncertainty. While Paulie's nonchalance suggests he may have knowledge of the hit, the truth might lie in the hands of an unreliable narrator. It's possible that Henry Hill orchestrated the hit to protect himself and his interests, but the full truth might never be fully uncovered.

Regardless of the exact sequence of events, the film Goodfellas offers a complex and multifaceted narrative that leaves room for interpretation, emphasizing the complexity and danger of criminal life in the early 1970s.