Title: Gotti
Year: 1996
Rating: 6.4
Cast: Armand Assante, William Forsythe, Richard C. Sarafian, Frank Vincent, Anthony Quinn
Description: The gaudy opulence of John Gotti’s life, as depicted in the 1996 biopic *Gotti*, feels less like a celebration and more like a gilded cage. This isn't a straightforward gangster film; it's a character study cloaked in violence and power. Armand Assante’s performance, while occasionally hammy, captures the charismatic menace that defined Gotti, a man whose public persona was meticulously crafted to project an image of untouchability. The film grapples with the inherent contradictions of the Teflon Don: the devoted family man juxtaposed against the ruthless mob boss. *Gotti* doesn't shy away from the brutality, but its true focus lies in the corrosive effect of power and the ultimately tragic consequences of a life lived in the shadows. While the narrative occasionally stumbles, the film remains a compelling exploration of ambition, loyalty, and the devastating price of ambition unchecked. It's a flawed but fascinating portrait of a notorious figure, leaving the viewer to grapple with the complex legacy he left behind.