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Gotti (1996 film)

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For the 2018 film of the same name, see Gotti (2018 film).
Gotti
DVD cover
Based on
Gotti: Rise and Fall
by
Written bySteve Shagan
Directed byRobert Harmon
Starring
Music byMark Isham
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerGary Lucchesi
ProducerDavid Coatsworth
CinematographyAlar Kivilo
EditorZach Staenberg
Running time116 minutes
Production companyHBO Pictures
Original release
NetworkHBO
Release
  • August 17, 1996 (1996-08-17)

Gotti is a 1996 American crime drama television film directed by Robert Harmon and written by Steve Shagan, based in part on the 1996 non-fiction book Gotti: Rise and Fall by Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustain. The film stars Armand Assante in the title role as infamous Gambino crime family boss John Gotti, along with William Forsythe, and Anthony Quinn. It aired on HBO on August 17, 1996. Assante won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special for his performance. Assante also received a Golden Globe nomination the same year.

Plot

The film starts In 1973 in New York, and ends in 1992, with Gotti's imprisonment. Gotti's association with three mobsters is also highlighted in the film: a father-son like relationship with family underboss Aniello "Mr. Neil" Dellacroce, his deep but rocky friendship with Gotti crew member and longtime friend Angelo Ruggiero, and the respect and ultimate frustration that he felt for the man who became his underboss, Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano. The film details Gotti's rise within the Gambino crime family and his ranks from soldier, then captain (or capo), and finally, boss. The final title was achieved through the dramatic murder in public of Gambino family boss Paul Castellano in 1985. Following the murder of Castellano, the film concentrates on the legal trials of John Gotti: one for assault and two for racketeering under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statutes. Gotti's famous personality, trial acquittals, and media attention are all dramatized. The film ends with Gotti's conviction and sentencing to life imprisonment at Marion Federal Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, because Gravano turns state's evidence and agrees to testify against Gotti. The film is primarily based on the columns of reporter Jerry Capeci, who also wrote the novel that documented Gotti's rise and fall inside the Gambino crime family, and served as executive producer of the film which was based on his novel.

Cast

Production

Shooting took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[1] Assante put on 35 pounds to play Gotti.[2]

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 60% rating based on five reviews, with an average rating of 5.20/10.[3] Jeremy Girard of Variety called it "a fairly standard-issue gangster flick" that is problematic for its matter-of-fact presentation.[4] Caryn James of The New York Times criticized its "docudrama syndrome", in which biographical dramas adhere closely to the historical record to prevent lawsuits despite the need for more characterization.[5] Howard Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Times called it "one of the better mob movies of the decade, and surely the best gangster portrait ever made primarily for television".[6] TV Guide rated it 2/5 stars and described it as too detailed for casual viewers and too inaccurate for enthusiasts.[7]

Awards

Organization Award For Result Ref
Directors Guild of America Award Outstanding Directing – Television Film Robert Harmon Nominated [8]
Golden Globes Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Armand Assante Nominated [9]
Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Anthony Quinn
Best Miniseries or Television Film Gotti
Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie Alar Kivilo Nominated [10]
Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special Robert Harmon
Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special Steve Shagan
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries or a Special Ezra Dweck, Robert W. Glass, David Lee, Dan Wallin
Outstanding Television Movie David Coatsworth, Garry Lucchesi, Robert McMinn
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special Armand Assante Won
Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or a Special - Single Camera Production Zach Staenberg Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie Armand Assante Nominated [11]

See also

References

  1. ^ Blumenthal, Ralph (1996-08-11). "Best-Dressed Don Inspires a Drama". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  2. ^ Randle, Nancy Jalasca (1996-08-16). "The Muscle Behind 'Gotti'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  3. ^ "Gotti (1996)". Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  4. ^ Gerard, Jeremy (1996-08-12). "Review: 'Gotti'". Variety. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  5. ^ James, Caryn (1996-08-17). "Making and Unmaking Of a Made Man: Gotti". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  6. ^ Rosenberg, Howard (1996-08-17). "Sincerely Sinister". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  7. ^ "Gotti". TV Guide. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  8. ^ Snow, Shauna (1997-02-06). "Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  9. ^ "Gotti | Golden Globe". Golden Globe Award. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  10. ^ "Gotti". Primetime Emmy Award. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  11. ^ "The 3rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". Screen Actors Guild. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
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