Goodfellas Garfield

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

08-01-2025

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Garfield, the perpetually grumpy, lasagna-loving feline, and the wiseguys of Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas might seem like an unlikely pairing. One is a cartoon cat, the other a brutal depiction of organized crime. Yet, a closer look reveals some surprisingly apt parallels between the two.

The Allure of the "Good Life"

Both Garfield and the characters in Goodfellas are driven by a desire for the "good life," albeit defined very differently. For the mobsters, it's a life of luxury, fueled by ill-gotten gains – lavish parties, expensive suits, and a sense of untouchable power. Garfield, on the other hand, prioritizes comfort and ease. His "good life" consists of endless naps, mountains of lasagna, and the unwavering servitude of Jon Arbuckle. Both, however, demonstrate a striking lack of appreciation for what they have.

A Cynical View of the World

Garfield's cynicism is legendary. He's perpetually unimpressed with the mundane aspects of life, regularly expressing his disdain for Mondays and the general absurdity of existence. Similarly, the Goodfellas characters operate within a deeply cynical worldview. Their loyalty is fleeting, their violence casual, and their moral compass entirely absent. They see the world as a game to be won, regardless of the cost.

The Illusion of Control

Both Garfield and the Goodfellas characters project an illusion of control. Garfield, with his seemingly effortless manipulation of Jon, creates an image of a cat who holds the reins. The mobsters, through their acts of violence and intimidation, create an illusion of dominance over their environment. However, this illusion is ultimately fragile. Garfield's laziness often leads to unintended consequences, while the mobsters' actions inevitably lead to their downfall.

The Inevitability of Consequences

Ultimately, both Garfield and the Goodfellas characters face the consequences of their actions, albeit in vastly different ways. The mobsters face violence, betrayal, and imprisonment. Garfield, while seemingly escaping any real punishment, remains perpetually stuck in a state of grumpy dissatisfaction. Both narratives highlight the idea that, however alluring the "good life" might seem, it's rarely without its price.

Conclusion

While seemingly disparate, Garfield and the characters of Goodfellas share a surprising thematic resonance. Both explore the allure of a self-defined "good life," the corrosive effects of cynicism, the illusion of control, and the inescapable reality of consequences. This unlikely comparison allows us to view both familiar narratives with a fresh perspective.