Gotti

Gotti is a 2018 American biographical crime film directed by Kevin Connolly and stars John Travolta as the infamous mobster , John Gotti. The film explores the life and times of John Gotti, one of the most feared and respected members of the Gambino crime family, and how the brutal, hardline gangster became the powerful head of one of the largest and most dangerous criminal organizations in North America. John Travolta’s performance as the titular character is one of the primary highlights of the movie, creating a compelling portrayal of a criminal mastermind who led a double life as a dedicated family man.

Travolta’s portrayal of Gotti is rooted equally in power and charisma, offering a complex representation of a man who was both a ruthless mafia boss and a devoted husband and father. The movie’s narrative is segmented, delivering the many aspects of Gotti’s life, including the early years of his criminal career, his rise to power within the Gambino family, and the trials, tribulations, and tragedies that marked his reign.

Spencer Rocco Lofranco takes on the role of Gotti’s son, John Gotti Jr., while Travolta’s real-life spouse Kelly Preston plays the role of his on-screen wife, Victoria Gotti. Their performances add to the movie's authenticity. Lofranco delivers a strong performance as Gotti Jr., a person wrestling with the loyalty to his family's historical involvement in organized crime against his own need for a normal life. Kelly Preston offers an intimate and moving portrayal of Victoria, standing by her husband's side through times of crisis and remaining ever loyal.

The film’s plot is interspersed with scenes of Gotti’s trial, showing how his high-profile criminal activities eventually led him to the courtroom. The courtroom scenes display Gotti’s charisma and defiance, often displaying a man unfazed by the prosecution’s allegations and maintaining his confidence and swagger even in the face of serious criminal charges.

Gotti also explores the familial aspect of the mafia and how being involved in the crime family impacts individuals and their personal relationships. There is a significant focus on Gotti’s relationship with his son and the pressure Gotti Jr. faces to continue the family legacy. The movie does not shy away from presenting Gotti's devotion to his family, which nuanced the characterization of a man often perceived simply as a 'mob boss'.

The film is directed by Kevin Connolly, known for his role in the popular TV show 'Entourage'. Connolly is successful in painting a multi-dimensional portrait of the notorious mafia boss. One of the techniques used by Connolly to convey narrative aspects is to use actual news footage of the time to give a real-world context to the unfolding narrative. His keen attention to period detail is noticeable, from the street scenes to the interior decorations and even the clothing worn by characters.

The screenplay by Leo Rossi and Lem Dobbs features dialogue that is slick and gritty, capturing the spirit of the gangster genre. The cinematography by Michael Barrett is top-notch, plunging the audience straight into the heart of the tough, grungy neighborhoods of 1980s New York City.

However, viewers should note that Gotti is a gangster film after all. It features its fair share of gritty violence, strong language, and scenes of substance use, which are trademarks of the genre. The movie doesn’t gloss over the brutalities of mafia life but neither does it romanticize it. It presents a realistic portrayal of a life of crime and its consequences.

Gotti is a solid gangster film, bolstered by John Travolta's powerful performance. The movie captures the nuances and complexities of a complicated man, who was always more than just a mob boss and was touched by the joys and sorrows of family life. For fans of true crime or the gangster genre, Gotti would be a worthwhile watch.