Gotti: Three Generations

The 2018 film Gotti, also known as Gotti: Three Generations, is a biographical crime drama about the life of John Gotti, the infamous boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. Directed by Kevin Connolly, the movie stars John Travolta as Gotti, alongside Spencer Rocco Lofranco and Kelly Preston, depicting the tale of three generations of the Gotti family and their connections to organized crime. Travolta, whose performance is central to the film, portrays Gotti with a nuanced version of the mobster's charisma, flamboyance, and ruthlessness that defined his public persona.

Gotti's plot, while avoiding spoilers, can be noted for oscillating between various significant stages of the mobster's life, including his ascension within the ranks of the Gambino family and his eventual role as the head of the organization. Much of the film is focused on the dynamics of power, loyalty, and family, as Gotti tries to establish his legacy and imbue his values into his children, particularly his son John Gotti Jr., played by Spencer Rocco Lofranco. This mentorship serves as the connective tissue between the generations, drawing a portrait of a life deeply entrenched in the culture of organized crime.

The movie also delves into Gotti's personal life, touching upon his relationship with his wife Victoria, portrayed by Kelly Preston, who was Travolta's real-life spouse. The familial elements of the film offer a contrast to Gotti's professional life in crime and provide a more intimate look into the man behind the notorious public figure. Set against the backdrop of Gotti's own personal struggles, such as loss and illness within his family, the film explores the complexities of his devotion to his family, juxtaposed with the demands and consequences of his criminal activities.

Aesthetically, Gotti captures the period of the time with detailed production design, from the wardrobes to the settings that rekindle the 1970s, 80s, and 90s New York City, where much of the real John Gotti's story unfolded. The film employs flashbacks to provide narrative depth and give a complete overview of Gotti's rise and eventual downfall within the criminal underworld.

The score for the film is indicative of the era, with songs and sounds that harken back to the days of Gotti's rule over New York's criminal landscape. The music selections are deliberate and set the tone for the film, underpinning the sense of period and place that is crucial to the storytelling.

While Gotti is essentially a crime drama, the movie attempts to provide a multi-dimensional portrayal of its protagonist, showing not only Gotti's brutal nature and his flair for leadership and strategy but also moments of vulnerability and introspection. These traits are most notably witnessed in scenes featuring intimate family gatherings and private moments which starkly contrast with the public facade of the mob boss. Gotti's persona is further complicated by his interactions with the media and his nickname "The Teflon Don," stemming from his ability to evade convictions in several high-profile trials—until his ultimate fate as dictated by the law.

Supporting cast members also contribute significantly to the atmosphere and authenticity of the film, with portrayals of recognizable figures from the world of organized crime and law enforcement who were part of Gotti's story. The ensemble performances help bring depth to the infamous events and interpersonal relationships that defined Gotti's trajectory in the mob hierarchy.

While the film aims to provide a comprehensive picture of John Gotti's life, it faces the challenge of condensing a complex narrative filled with numerous pivotal events and relationships into a two-hour movie. Criticism for the film often centers on the difficulty in presenting a balanced account of a figure like Gotti, whose life story is marked by extreme actions and contradictory values, but without revealing specific plot points, these critiques relate more to the film's execution than its concept.

In summary, Gotti tells the story of one of the 20th century's most notorious mob bosses and tries to capture the many facets of his life: his ruthless ambition, his dedication to his family—both blood and made—and the effect his lifestyle had on those closest to him. Through the performances of John Travolta, Spencer Rocco Lofranco, Kelly Preston, and the rest of the cast, the film invites viewers to look beyond the headlines and into the private life of a man who, for better or for worse, left a lasting mark on American criminal history. Gotti: Three Generations is a narrative of power, tragedy, and familial bonds, set against the mob-driven chaos of New York's criminal underbelly.