Gotti (2018) Movie Review
A Deep Dive into the Infamous Mobster’s Life
Title: Gotti
Director: Kevin Connolly
Starring: John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Spencer Lofranco, Pruitt Taylor Vince
Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography
Release Date: June 15, 2018
Runtime: 110 minutes
Synopsis:
“Gotti” chronicles the life of infamous mob boss John Gotti, who rose to power within the Gambino crime family in New York City. The film spans three decades of Gotti’s life, exploring his rise to the top, his relationships with his family, and his eventual downfall. John Travolta stars as the titular character, delivering a performance that seeks to capture the complexity and charisma of the real-life Gotti.
Review
“Gotti” had the potential to be a gripping tale of power, crime, and family dynamics. Unfortunately, despite an intriguing subject matter and a committed performance by John Travolta, the film falls short of expectations. Directed by Kevin Connolly, the movie struggles with pacing issues and a disjointed narrative that fails to provide a coherent and engaging portrayal of Gotti’s life.
John Travolta’s Performance:
Travolta’s portrayal of John Gotti is arguably the film’s strongest point. He immerses himself in the role, capturing Gotti’s swagger and larger-than-life persona. His transformation into the notorious mobster is commendable, showcasing his dedication to the character. However, even a strong lead performance can’t fully redeem the film’s other shortcomings.
Narrative and Direction:
The film’s narrative structure is one of its most significant weaknesses. The story jumps back and forth in time, creating a fragmented viewing experience that can be confusing and disorienting. This non-linear approach might have worked if executed with more finesse, but in “Gotti,” it often feels haphazard and disrupts the storytelling flow. Kevin Connolly’s direction lacks the sharpness needed for a crime drama of this scale, resulting in a movie that feels more like a collection of scenes than a cohesive story.
Script and Dialogue:
The script, written by Lem Dobbs and Leo Rossi, also leaves much to be desired. The dialogue often feels clichéd and lacks the punch needed for a film about such a formidable figure. Key moments that should have been impactful fall flat, and the character development is insufficient, making it hard for viewers to connect with or understand the motivations of the characters.
Cinematography and Production Design:
Visually, “Gotti” does a decent job of recreating the look and feel of the periods it depicts. The cinematography by Michael Barrett captures the gritty atmosphere of New York City’s underworld, and the production design effectively transports viewers to the different decades of Gotti’s life. However, these technical aspects can’t compensate for the film’s other flaws.
Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options
As of now, “Gotti” is available for streaming on several platforms. For viewers in the United States, here are some options:
- Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Subscribers can stream “Gotti” as part of their membership.
- Tubi: The film is available for free with ads.
- Rental/Purchase Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie can be rented or purchased digitally.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Provides rental and purchase choices.
Conclusion
“Gotti” is a film that aims high but ultimately misses the mark. Despite John Travolta’s dedicated performance, the movie’s disjointed narrative, weak script, and uneven direction prevent it from being a compelling portrayal of one of America’s most infamous crime figures. While it offers a glimpse into the life of John Gotti, it fails to provide a gripping and coherent story that does justice to its intriguing subject matter. If you’re a fan of crime dramas or interested in Gotti’s life, it might still be worth a watch, but temper your expectations.
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