“I’m not mad, I’m proud o’ you. You took your first pinch like a man and you learned the two greatest things in life… never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.” – Robert DeNiro Goodfellas

The Italian mob movie is a phenomenon that has long captivated American cinema. We love our mobsters. Who are they? They could be standing five feet away from you on the subway. They could be anyone. This idea is, at its core, the American dream. This idea that these mobsters, with their flashy suits, slicked back hair, and fancy cars can come from anywhere appeals to us. John Gotti, one of the most famous crime bosses in modern history, the “Teflon Don” grew up in the Bronx.

The Mob has always been a way to stick it to the Government, the Church, or whoever else may be in charge. We love this act of rebellion, and the nice clothes and Italian food don’t hurt either! The thing is, do the movies we see properly represent the reality of the Mafia in America? This blog is here to compare the two; art and reality.

There are many examples of films like The Godfather influencing the actual mob. These films have given mobsters an atmosphere of fame, but also of fear. Stick with me on this exciting journey, besides who doesn’t love watching a film with a bunch of Italians?