Goodfellas: Why Jimmy Conway Wasn't Whacked Like Tommy
Why weren't Henry Hill and Jimmy Burke (Conway) "whacked" in Goodfellas for their involvement in the murder of Bats? The brutal reality of the criminal underworld often operates under its own twisted logic, and the consequences aren't always as clear-cut as they appear on screen.
The world of Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas is a violent and often unpredictable one. While the film paints a vivid picture of the inner workings of organized crime, it's essential to remember that it's a dramatization based on real events. The fate of characters like Henry Hill, Jimmy "The Gent" Conway, and Tommy DeVito, is a subject of much discussion among fans, particularly regarding the repercussions for their actions.
In the film, Jimmy Conway is portrayed as a cunning and ruthless figure, played with chilling precision by Robert De Niro. His real-life counterpart, James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke, was a notorious mobster who, like his on-screen persona, was known for his strategic mind and capacity for violence. The question of why Conway seemingly escaped the ultimate punishment, despite his involvement in numerous criminal activities, including the murder of "Bats" Batts, is complex.
The murder of Bats was a particularly heinous act, with Jimmy Conway deliberately stomping on Bats' face. Henry Hill, although not directly involved in the killing, helped in finding the body. The expectation, based on the film's portrayal of mob rules, is that anyone involved in the murder of a "made man" would face severe consequences, potentially even death. Yet, in the film, Tommy DeVito is the only one who suffers the ultimate consequence.
The difference in treatment can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, Jimmy Conway, being of Irish descent, could never become a "made man" himself. This status carries significant weight within the Mafia, offering a certain level of protection and influence. While Conway was a powerful associate, his non-Italian heritage limited his standing within the hierarchy. Secondly, Conway's value to the Lucchese crime family, the real-life organization upon which the film's depiction is based, was undeniable. His ability to generate vast sums of money through various criminal enterprises made him an asset, even if he wasn't fully protected by the rules that govern "made men."
Tommy DeVito's fate is a direct consequence of his rash actions, and breaking the rules. Tommy, played with volatile intensity by Joe Pesci, was a loose cannon within the organization. He killed a "made man," Billy Batts, which was a clear violation of the mafia's core tenet. In contrast, Jimmy, while involved, had a different standing within the organization. His skills and the money he generated were seen as valuable, and this value provided him a degree of protection.
The Lufthansa heist, one of the pivotal events in the film, further highlights Conway's strategic mind. Based on the real-life robbery of the Lufthansa cargo terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the heist brought in millions of dollars. Conway meticulously planned and executed the operation, demonstrating his skills as an organizer and strategist. It also provides insight into the brutal underbelly of the criminal world.
The film portrays the post-heist paranoia, with the characters becoming increasingly suspicious of each other. Conway's actions, which included ordering the murders of those involved in the heist to eliminate witnesses and keep a larger share of the proceeds, showcase his ruthless nature. The film also shows the constant threat of betrayal that hangs over the characters.
The parallels between Conway's character and those in other crime dramas, such as the character of Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul, are noteworthy. Both characters are master manipulators, adept at navigating complex situations and using their intelligence to their advantage. In the world of Better Call Saul, Jeff's attempts to explain the purchase of a computer for Marion echo the scene in Goodfellas where Conway and his associates face the fallout from their actions.
The film also delves into the lives of the associates, showing the complex relationships and the dynamics of their world. While the film portrays them as "big shots," the reality was often different. The non-"made" guys were not always considered big figures by the families.
The character of Tommy DeVito, based on Thomas DeSimone, represents a specific type of character: the unpredictable and violent enforcer. Tommy's actions are often impulsive and lead to disastrous consequences, as seen in the Billy Batts murder. The portrayal of Tommy highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the price of loyalty in the mob.
The film also touches upon the role of family and the influence of women in the lives of these criminals. Tommy's relationship with his mother is a pivotal scene, and the contrast between the domestic setting and the violent nature of their world is striking. Conway's wife and the other women in their lives are always in the background, highlighting the tension and contradictions within the criminal world.
The depiction of the real-life mobster, James Burke, is a fascinating aspect of the film. Burke, the inspiration for Jimmy Conway, was involved in numerous criminal enterprises and died in prison. His life serves as a reminder of the true nature of the world depicted in Goodfellas. The film shows how the real-life story was both altered and exaggerated for dramatic effect.
The impact of Goodfellas is undeniable. It's a film that explores the allure and dangers of the criminal life, offering a glimpse into a world of violence, loyalty, and betrayal. The film's characters remain popular because of their complexities and the choices they make.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke |
| Alias | Jimmy Conway |
| Born | 1931 |
| Died | April 13, 1996, in prison |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American |
| Occupation | Mobster, Criminal |
| Known For | Mastermind of the Lufthansa Heist; Associate of the Lucchese crime family |
| Portrayed By | Robert De Niro in Goodfellas |
| Key Crimes | Lufthansa Heist, numerous murders, drug trafficking |
| Imprisonment | Life sentence for the murder of Richard Eaton |
| Influence | Inspired the character Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas |
| Reference | Britannica - Jimmy Burke |
The question of the ketchup on the pasta in the scene at Tommy's mother's house is another point of discussion. The detail provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of these characters, a world juxtaposed with the violence and danger of their criminal activities. The detail serves to humanize them in a way, even if its just a temporary respite before the next act of violence.
The portrayal of Conway in Goodfellas is often seen as one of De Niro's best performances. His ability to embody the character's intelligence, ruthlessness, and strategic thinking is key to the film's success. The film's story is made even more compelling because of the meticulous portrayal of the lives of these criminals.
Ultimately, the fate of Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas is a product of a complex set of circumstances, including his non-Italian heritage, his value to the organization, and his skills as a criminal strategist. The film's focus on the real-life events and the real-life mobster who inspired the character demonstrates the lasting impact that Goodfellas has had on cinema and on the public's perception of organized crime.
The film's depiction of the relationships between the characters, the intricate details of their criminal enterprises, and the constant threat of violence make it a compelling and unforgettable film experience. It offers a fascinating insight into the internal workings of a world that operates by its own rules, where the consequences of one's actions are not always predictable.
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