‘Goodfellas’ fans ridicule “bonkers” disclaimer for “cultural stereotypes”

20 May, 2024

Goodfellas

Fans of Goodfellas have shared their views on a “cultural stereotypes” disclaimer shown before the film on channel AMC.

The Martin Scorsese film, which was first released in 1990, is widely regarded as one of the greatest gangster movies of all time.

However, a trigger warning was issued before the AMC version of the film in 2020, reading: “This film includes language and/or cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today’s standards of inclusion and tolerance and may offend some viewers.”

The disclaimer recently went viral online after being posted by the New York Post‘s Ken Lovett.

Some fans have since spoken out, one responding on X (formerly Twitter): “This has to end. I believe everyone should be included but to protect everyone from stereotypes in a film about a stereotyped set of people is just bonkers.”

Another added: “So bad. Great movie leave Goodfellas alone. This movie is perfect in every way,” while a third said: “It took 34 years to decide they had a problem with the movie?”

However, some defended the choice, one person writing: “It shows that we have evolved as a world. Why is that a problem?”

“I mean, how is this that different than a movie showing an R rating ‘contains offensive language’ etc before showing the movie?” another said.

In a statement, AMC told the New York Post: “In 2020, we began adding advisories in front of certain films that include racial or cultural references that some viewers might find offensive.”

In recent years, many prominent people in the creative industry have weighed in on the discourse around trigger warnings, with director Quentin Tarantino suggesting in 2023 that viewers being offended is the “first response of a very narrow mind”.

“I reject the word ‘offended’,” he told La Liberation. “Anyone can be offended by anything. Frankly, I think most of the time – and there are no doubt some exceptions – saying that you are ‘offended’ by a film is the first response of a very narrow mind. ‘I didn’t like it, and here’s why, blah blah blah…’

“But, man, being offended? Art is no offence. And, although, in rare cases, I can understand it, it’s just ridiculous to be offended by the content of a film.”

Judi Dench also recently spoke about theatrical trigger warnings, telling Radio Times: “I can see why they exist, but if you’re that sensitive, don’t go to the theatre, because you could be very shocked. Where is the surprise of seeing and understanding it in your own way?”

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