HCF CLASSIC MOMENT No 6: When Tommy asked that one simple question…..in Goodfellas!





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In a brand new feature on HorrorCultFilms, we look at the scenes that blow us away, moments that will live forever in our minds  and in yours.  Number 6 comes in the shape of Martin Scorsese’s quite wonderful masterpiece Goodfellas……

I love and I mean Love Goodfellas.  I very much doubt Martin Scorsese will ever top that 1990 film in my eyes and while the film is awash with quality moments and stand out performances, it has one scene that stands out and even to this day I marvel at the performance of Joe Pesci. It is such a menacing moment from the guy, long before his comical tones in the Lethal Weapon films and in My Cousin Vinny.

Just to remind you, its the scene where his gangster Tommy De Vito is telling a funny story to his fellow mates and has them rolling with laughter….that is until Henry (Ray Liotta) dares to say “He is a funny guy!”….

Henry: You’re a pisser. Really funny. You’re really funny.

Tommy: What do you mean I’m funny?

Henry: It’s funny. You know, your, uh… your story, it’s funny. You’re a funny guy.

Tommy: You mean the way I talk? What?

Henry: It’s just… you know… you… it’s… you’re just funny. It’s… funny… you know, the way you tell the story and everything.

Tommy: Funny how? I mean what’s funny about it?

Anthony: Tommy, no, you got it all wrong.

Tommy: Whoa, whoa, Anthony. He’s a big boy. He knows what he said. What’d you say? Funny how?

Henry: Ju… just… you know, you’re… you’re funny.

Tommy: You mean . . . let me understand this, ‘cause I dunno, maybe it’s me, I’m a little fucked up maybe. But I’m funny how? I mean, funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh? I’m here to fuckin’ amuse you? What do you mean, funny? Funny how? How’m I funny?

Henry: …Just, you know, how you tell the story. What?

Tommy: No. No. I don’t know. You said it. How do I know? You said I’m funny. (Furiously) How the fuck am I funny? What the fuck is so funny about me? Tell me! Tell me what’s funny!

There is an uncomfortable pause…..

Henry: Get the fuck outta here Tommy. (Starts to laugh.)

Tommy: You motherfucker. (They all laugh.) I almost had ‘im! I almost had ‘im! You stutterin’ prick, ya! Frankie, was he shaking? I wonder about you sometimes, Henry. You may fold under questioning! (Hysterical laughter, Henry wipes tears from his eyes.)

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About Ross Hughes 532 Articles
Since my mother sat me down at the age of five years of age and watched a little called Halloween, I have been hooked on horror. There is no other genre that gets me excited and takes me to the edge of entertainment. I watch everything from old, new, to cheap and blockbusters, but I promise all my readers that I will always give an honest opinion, and I hope whoever reads this review section, will find a film that they too can love as much as I do! Have fun reading, and please DO HAVE NIGHTMARES!!!!!!

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