1. Narrative
The opening title sequence of Goodfellas shows a lot of narrative and includes a lot of narrative
theories like enigma codes and binary oppositions.
The film opening creates a lot of enigma codes through the setting as this is the first time we see
anything related to the characters or setting and it is unclear what area it is set in. Also, the character
are not introduced clearly as there was a voiceover talking to the audience in first person which then
went into a close up of the protagonist which makes the audience know its him talking.
Enigma Codes:
•What is the protagonist’s name?
•Why did they kill the guy?
•Where are they going?
It creates binary oppositions that are usually associated with the action crime film genre as the
opening shows the audience some typical genre signifiers like violence.
Binary Oppositions:
•Good Vs Evil
•Gangsters Vs Civilians
•Crime Vs Law

2. Exposition Of Characters
Throughout the opening of Goodfellas the characters are in black suits that connote the crime
bit of the genre as the black suits are usually associated with the Italian mafia. This also gives
the sense that the character will have Italian American heritage as around the time the film is
based there was several Italian American gangsters. This makes them look dangerous and
powerful as they seem fearless of what the consequences of their actions can cause and it
seems like they have more power in society then the police.
The close up of the protagonists face makes him look the most dominant within the group of
characters as he is the one that was driving the car and ordered that they go out and check
what was wrong with the car. Also, he wasn’t the one that killed the guy in the boot with the
weapon which shows that he has people doing the dirty work for him as he is the leader within
the group.
The use of weapons during the opening implies that there will be several scenes of violence
throughout the scene. This shows that the films will include gory and bloody scenes
throughout the films which indicate why the film is an R rated certificate.

3. Cinematography
The medium close up of the car driving through the street while a steadicam follows it gives us
the sense that there is danger brewing up in the car as it weaves in and out in the street it gives
us the sense of a car chase. Also, the lack of brightness in the shot foreshadows the future
events as everything is dark it seems like they are trying to stay unnoticed.
The longshot of the characters looking at the car is filmed with minimal lighting as the scene is
very dark but the red light from the cars taillights signifies danger as the colour red is
associated with the danger.
Martin Scorsese used shallow focus to keep the driver in focus while everyone else in the car
are blurred and seem irrelevant to the shot as it gives the audience the sense of the hierarchy
within the group as the driver is the main focus of the shot. It shows that he will be playing the
main protagonist throughout the film.

4. Setting & Sound
The opening of Goodfellas keeps the setting of the film reserved for later as we don’t see much
to see the actual setting but from the sound I can imply that it is set in the city but starts off
with the characters being on the motorway that is leading into or out of the city. I can imply this
because there is a lot of diegetic noise that is the sound of cars driving past. Also, during the
opening of the film it shows the film credits with the sound of cars in the background.
Through my research into the work of Martin Scorsese it has shown me that majority of his
films are set in New York City therefore I can imply that the film will be set in the city.
The film will include several scenes shot in quiet and secluded areas as they will be committing
crimes that they don’t want the general public knowing of. This is shown as one scene they are
driving on a busy motorway then they pull over to a secluded area as they finish of the job of
murdering the victim in the boot.