Who Says "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli"?
One of the most iconic phrases in cinema history is undoubtedly "Leave the gun, take the cannoli." Spoken by Lorraine Bracco’s character, Karen Hill, in the 1990 film "Goodfellas," the line has become synonymous with mafia culture and has been endlessly referenced and parodied in popular culture. But where did this phrase come from, and what does it mean?
The Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" is a direct quote from a scene in "Goodfellas," where Karen Hill, the wife of a Mafia hitman, discovers that her husband and his partners have been killed. The scene is tense and intense, with Karen rushing into the room where her husband’s body lies, her eyes scanning the scene with a mix of horror and despair.
In this scene, Karen notices a.38 caliber handgun on the floor, partially covered by a blanket. As she picks up the gun and examines it, she looks up at the camera and says, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."
This seemingly random phrase is, in fact, a direct reference to a joke told by Henry Hill, the main character of the film, in a previous scene. In this earlier scene, Henry is talking about his experience with the FBI and jokes that he’d rather "leave the gun and take the cannoli" – meaning that he’d rather escape with his life (the cannoli) rather than getting caught with a gun (the gun).
The Meaning Behind the Phrase
So, what does "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" really mean? On the surface, the phrase seems to be about prioritizing self-preservation over material possessions or assets. Karen Hill is saying that, in this moment of chaos and horror, she is choosing to leave behind the tangible things (the gun, the material possessions of her husband and his partners) and focus on saving herself and getting out of the situation alive.
But there is more to the phrase than just this surface-level meaning. "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" is also a commentary on the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of material wealth. In this context, the cannoli (a sweet pastry dessert) represents the ephemeral and impermanent nature of earthly possessions and pleasures. Karen Hill’s decision to leave the gun and take the cannoli is a reminder that life is short and fragile, and that material wealth is ultimately meaningless.
The Significance of the Phrase in Popular Culture
The phrase "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" has become a cultural phenomenon, with endless references and parodies in TV shows, movies, and music. From The Simpsons to Family Guy, Saturday Night Live to The Big Lebowski, the phrase has been borrowed, rewritten, and recontextualized in countless ways.
But beyond its obvious comedic value, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" has also become a symbol of cultural significance. It represents the tension between morality and materialism, and the impermanence of life and material possessions. The phrase has been referenced in everything from politics to advertising, with even serious documentaries and art projects citing its significance in modern popular culture.
A Look at the Film
But what about the film "Goodfellas" itself? Released in 1990, the film was directed by Martin Scorsese and starred Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta. The film tells the story of Henry Hill, a young man who rises to prominence in the mob through his association with two Italian-American mobsters.
The film is notable for its gritty realism and brutal violence, as well as its nuanced portrayal of the American Dream and the dangers of ambition. The scene featuring the phrase "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" is a particularly striking moment in the film, with its tension, intensity, and raw emotion.
Table: Key Scenes from Goodfellas
| Scene | Description |
|---|---|
| Karen discovers the bodies | Karen rushes into the room and finds her husband and his partners dead |
| Henry jokes about leaving the gun and taking the cannoli | Henry tells the joke to his friends and partners, referencing the importance of preserving one’s life over material possessions |
| Karen leaves the gun and takes the cannoli | Karen chooses to leave behind the tangible things and focus on saving herself and getting out of the situation alive |
Conclusion
"Leave the gun, take the cannoli" is a phrase that has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. With its origins in the film "Goodfellas," the phrase has become a symbol of cultural significance, representing the tension between morality and materialism and the impermanence of life and material possessions. Whether used humorously or seriously, the phrase remains a powerful reminder of the importance of self-preservation and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and pleasures.
