Goodfellas: A Lesson In Soundtracking Films

Okay, first off, sorry for neglecting to post for a hot minute.

Second, I took the pleasure of watching Goodfellas tonight, and I noticed that the musical choices for this film were absolutely astounding for building the world that the characters inhabit, and helps add depth to the movie.

Providing a perfect blend of period appropriate music, with some older tunes thrown in for good measure, the songs run the gamut from eerily fitting to stark contrast of the violence portrayed on screen.

From the powerful vocals of Merry Clayton in the Rolling Stones' classic Gimme Shelter, to Dean Martin's Mafioso hit, Ain't That A Kick in the Head, the music used gives a certain understanding into what emotions Scorsese wants the viewer to be considering, if not feeling, as you process the film.

Always the innovator, Martin Scorsese utilized music during the filming process too, in scenes with no dialogue, he often had the music playing as the shooting was occurring, and the placement of some songs lyrics between bits of dialogue to great effect.

I feel more filmmakers should consider this approach, as the diegetic music in film often helps the realism of the movie, further investing the viewer in the screen.