Getting Gotti

I've read quite a few true-crime books about the Mob: "Donnie Brasco" -- the first book in the series is excellent, the second is a pass -- and "Iceman" -- a terrific book about Richard Kuklinski, one of the most cold-hearted serial killers/hitmen you'll ever read about. I've also watched quite a few documentaries and movies about the subject matter as well. So, while I am far from an expert on the Mafia, I know probably more than the average person.And I know that this film was probably meant to pander to the female crowd immediately. Why was it, when John Gotti was found innocent by this prosecutor, that her story was told here? Sure, there were things that happened that were out of her control (I don't want to discuss those things as they are a minor spoiler), but the question must still be asked. Well, the answer is obvious:The writer, director, and producer wanted to show the "Strong Female Lead" (SFL) character up against the Mean, Angry Mobster Guy.I discussed this seemingly unquenchable desire nowadays to show the SFL characters when I reviewed "Mad Max: Fury Road." But there, because Charlize Theron was involved, I gave it more than a pass. I said something like, "Well, when you've got Charlize Theron, all can be forgiven," or something along those lines. But here, we have Lorraine Bracco, so can the same be said?Well, probably not. But I suppose it isn't completely her fault, as the writing is somewhat amateurish. Here, Ms. Bracco plays Diane Giacalone, probably more like a scared schoolgirl at times than an SFL. In particular, the day before trying Mr. Gotti, she wonders aloud if the red dress she will wear is OK for the courtroom. Really? You're trying John Gotti, and you're worried about your clothes? "Just wait 'til I gets through with ya," might be his response. And then he might add, "You won't be too worried about no clothes, is all I'm sayin'."Another problem: I think that this film is too short. Its runtime is about an hour and a half, and in reality, it needed a mini-series. From the books that I've read that at least discuss this case, there is a lot of background story and information that is important, and a "Movie of the Week" surely isn't long enough to even give you a 30-minute sit-down on the subject. Capiche?Well, with all of its issues, can I give "Getting Gotti" a recommendation for viewing anyways? Well, probably not. While I'd probably rather watch this than get whacked, I Gotti say "No."

Not exactly a flawlessly great movie, but i still give it 3 stars because the true story of this hero Diane G. the ADA is overwhelmingly riveting to think that a person who grew up in the same bad area of NY as did Gotti did not have to go on to be a menace to society as he did, but instead a very positive force. This movie taught me not to be so soft on criminals who grew up in a bad environment, because there are examples of great goodness like Diane G. the ADA was all about. If Gotti had any ounce of goodness or humility or regret for living a criminal life, he would have shown her courtesy & respect, but instead he was a pompous low life jackass around her who didn't even have the decency to NOT rub it in after he was acquited due to jury tampering. This movie "Getting Gotti" wasn't so much about Gotti, but more about the courageous work of Diane G., a public servant working as a NYC ADA. I enjoyed this movie & feel its worthwhile to watch on a rainy day or otherwise...

Made in 1992 and about two years after the incredible Goodfellas and Bracco's fine performance, much of that electricity is felt in this based-on-a-true story film.The script is excellent, especially in FBI situations; the viewer can only assume that the script writer "did his homework". Regarding the "Mob guy" detail, there's all the cliches..but still believable. The supporting actors are every bit a strong as the leads.The inescapable reference to Goodfellas can show artistic shortcomings, as then the scenes too often play as if the Director stopped one take short of "real" - lines are not spoken, but *read*. Bracco does have that slightly draggy, flat style, and the creative result can be somewhat off-putting, with an unintended comic edge. But when she's engaged...dynamite! (Just like in the Scorsese film!).On the other hand, we have a great opportunity to see Lorraine in close-up and dominating many scenes. I think that Scorsese has a tendency to hold back the female leads, as he did with Bracco in Goodfellas and Sharon Stone in Casino.Film builds nicely...courtroom scenes are superb, though marred by overblown orchestration.The film may have been more successful commercially and according to genre had it been produced as a Made For TV Movie, parts one and two. Armand Assante's 1996 "Gotti" was fine in that framework.

"Getting Gotti" is a rare experience. A movie based on real, historic events which does not distort those events. Most movies "based" on true events in real life should have a disclaimer at the beginning that says "The names in this story are true. Only the facts have been changed." But that is NOT the case for this movie. The movie is the story of the first time John Gotti was put on trial for racketeering after he became the godfather of the Gambino Family in New York. In "Getting Gotti," actress Lorraine Bracco plays the starring role as Diane Giacalone, the Federal Assistant District Attorney who prosecutes Gotti in the case. Her performance is highly dramatic and she plays the role superbly. The confrontation between Giacalone and Gotti's attorney, defense witnesses, and Gotti himself make for excellent court room drama. And so do confrontations outside the court room, including those with officials including FBI agents who refuse to cooperate with her because the case interferes with their own agendas and strategies for getting Gotti. The first time I saw "Getting Gotti" was well before I had ever saw Lorraine Bracco play Tony Soprano's psychotherapist in The Sopranos. If anything, my good appreciation of her in The Sopranos may be prejudiced by her remarkable performance in "Getting Gotti" - not the other way around. Those who already enjoy seeing Loraine Bracco in The Sopranos should be thrilled to see her in "Getting Gotti."

A rather Cheesy Movie which shows its TV roots by the fact that the Tough Talking Mafiosa types use the tamest of profanities,along with a very Movie of the Week style feel to it given its brutal true origins.Worth a look if you find it cheap,but far from the best Gotti movie out there.

Its not bad, slow beginning but gets better.

Lorraine Bracco puts in a great performance in this true to life story of Diane Giacalone's quest to "get Gotti".

GOOD

Je trouve que ce film est moins palpitant que le film john gotti mais c est un avis subjectif