#39 TOMMY DEVITO from GOODFELLAS. 

Joe Pesci’s interpretation of former New York mobster Tommy “D” DeSimone is chaos in human form.  Every time I watch GOODFELLAS (and I do so a lot), every scene where DeVito confronts someone, I have a habit of imagining what the hell I would do in the same situation.  Could I talk my way out of it?  Placate him some way?  Odds are always 50/50 with guys like this: somedays you’re going to be Henry Hill, successfully backtracking on a misunderstood compliment; one day you’re going to be poor Spider catching a bullet in your best running shoe over a lousy gin and tonic.  

I have to admit, this form of fantasy prepared me for real life when I was Tom Sizemore’s assistant.  Not that Sizemore was in any shape or form a threat like Pesci’s character, but there were similarities: erratic behavior, tough guy bravado, swagger.  When Sizemore’s mood would get “fitful”, I’d choose my words carefully (if not just remain silent) and show support.  But never break eye-contact.  The eye-contact was most important.  It’s the defining line between ally and submissive.  What a weird fucking world. 

Tommy: “No more shines, Billy.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8wJt59Q6So