Gotti

I rented the hell out of this HBO video until I found out it was available in stores. The problem with HBO movies is that they never get the big-screen exposure many of them deserve, and this is a classic example. Not only was the storyline developed both artistically and factually, but the performances were excellent and the quality was on a level with the best in the genre. Crime flick fans who missed this one need to rush out and add it to their collection.
Robert Harmon manages to steer clear of the camps that have entrenched themselves on both sides of this media legend. The pro-Gottis depict Sammy the Bull as a scumsucking rat in print, on screen and TV, while the pro-Gravanos paint John's right-hand man as the innocent victim of a despotic buffoon. Harmon develops the Gotti-Gravano relationship from its mutual admiration stage, leading to an iron-clad partnership that eventually degenerates into deception and betrayal. The complexities of the Gambino Family discord is also explored, from the rivalry between Castellano and underboss Dellacroce to the outlaw heroin dealings of Gotti's closest friends and family members. The flick remains true to the best accounts, and it is a credit to Harmon that he has given us not only the best rendition of the Gotti tale, but one of the best gangster flicks ever made in the process.
Assante outdoes himself in his portrayal of Gotti, showing us a human frailty that is rare in most of his character roles. Forsythe is also at his best in giving us a hardcore yet oddly sympathetic look at the celebrated hit man Gravano. Quinn, who made it a point to attend some of the Gotti trials in Brooklyn years back, also shines in an outstanding portrayal of Dellacroce. Even Vincent paints a poignant portrait of DB, a rancid fellow known as the porno king of NYC. Perhaps only Sarafian gives us a villain to dislike as a self-centered and petty Castellano. But, then again, this film is hardly about the Knights of the Round Table.
Again the direction and editing take us right into the underworld scenarios, the smokefilled backroom card games, barroom drinking parties, ritzy Manhattan cocktail lounges, criminal conventions, and countless other places that only the best of the genre can match. The authenticity is such that you have to remind yourself that this is only a movie, though an excellent one at that.
HBO should've taken the gamble and thrown this one onto the big-screen for a shot at an Oscar nomination or two. Try it in your VCR and see for yourself.