Steven Spielberg Says 'Goodfellas' is His Favorite Martin Scorsese Film

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The great Steven Spielberg is currently out and about in the world, on a mission to save cinema. Those duties include, but certainly are not limited to: promoting the somehow-underrated The Fabelmans, reviving Bullitt, and talking up fellow Savior of the Movies, Martin Scorsese.

Participating in Variety's "100 Greatest Movies of All Time" package, Spielberg penned a short and sweet essay about Goodfellas—which the director calls his favorite Scorsese film. "I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve experienced this epic cinematic masterpiece," Spielberg writes, "which includes a brilliant screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese, and one of cinema history’s greatest acting ensembles: De Niro, Pesci, Liotta, and some of the most memorable supporting roles ever—from Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Chuck Low and Tony Darrow to Catherine and Charles Scorsese … there are no background performances in Goodfellas."

Damn right, Mr. Spielberg. The director added that Raging Bull is a close second place in his book. Here at Esquire, we're happy to admit: we're aligned with good ol' Steve on that one. Raging Bull at number two; Goodfellas sits at the top. Spielberg added of his top pick, "It’s no longer a guilty pleasure to sit for 2 hours and 26 minutes, but rather a master class for any aspiring filmmaker who wants to see a breathtaking balancing act of multiple storylines, timelines, shocking violence and violent humor." (For those currently wondering, you can stream Goodfellas on HBO Max right here.)

Now, we have to know: what's Martin Scorsese's favorite Steven Spielberg film? Saving Private Ryan? Lincoln? Wait—don't tell me—Ready Player One?

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