‘The Death Collector’: How This Movie Paved the Way for ‘Goodfellas’ to Exist

With a few pivotal films like ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘Taxi Driver’ already solidifying his fame, Martin Scorsese’s career was still in its infancy in 1976. He had not, however, yet attained the level of success he would later attain with movies like ‘Casino’ and ‘Goodfellas’. In addition to Scorsese’s direction, these classic movies owe a great deal to the gifted actors he collaborated with, including Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro. Scorsese’s career was greatly influenced by his work with these performers, and their relationship began much earlier when De Niro introduced Scorsese to Joe Pesci and Frank Vincent’s acting abilities.

‘The Death Collector’ (also called ‘Family Enforcer’), a low-budget crime movie released in 1976, featured Pesci’s breakout performance. An early demonstration of Pesci’s signature fiery temperament was given by the film, which tells the tale of a small-time burglar who turns becomes a mafia debt collector. Despite becoming a minor cult favorite, ‘The Death Collector’  lacks the sophistication of Scorsese’s subsequent crime dramas. Nevertheless, it had an indisputable impact on Scorsese’s career because both Scorsese and De Niro saw Pesci’s potential in the movie. Because of this, Pesci was cast in ‘Raging Bull’ and then ‘Goodfellas’, where he became one of the most iconic characters in movie history.

Image Courtesy: Prime Video 

‘The Death Collector’ also served as the debut for Frank Vincent, another actor who would go on to play a number of roles in Scorsese’s movies. Before they both went into acting, his relationship with Pesci developed from their mutual love of comedy and music. Vincent, who frequently portrayed mafia members, gained recognition for his powerful and respectable on-screen persona. In addition to Scorsese’s works, he had prominent parts in ‘Spike Lee’ and ‘The Sopranos’.

Joe Pesci’s reputation as one of the best performers of his time was cemented by his career trajectory, which included roles in ‘The Death Collector’ and ‘Goodfellas’. Later, in ‘The Irishman’, Scorsese returned to this archetype with Pesci, examining the long-term effects of such individuals. Scorsese’s career has been anchored by his friendship with Pesci and Vincent, which has influenced many of his most well-known films, with ‘The Death Collector’ acting as a crucial beginning point.

–Farheen Ali