It is my understanding that Gotti Jr. is gonna be listed as a producer here. It is good to see him finally doing something legitimate. Maybe he turns out to be a good filmmaker. I hope so.
I didnt realise Nick Cassavetes was directing. I loved Alpha Dog. & my girlfriend (like 9 out of 10 women), loves the Notebook, which I absolutely cant stand. Im of two minds here.
most mob movies that auctually had a real life mob consultant turned out to be good. goodfellas with henry hill and all the fbi testimony tapes and nicholas pillegi having all that great knowledge, lefty rosenthal and frank cutolla with casino, im sure pistone helped out with brasco.
I'm not looking forward to this one at all. Travolta, aside from being wrong for the part, is just too old. He's pushing 60 now. Gotti was jailed for life at 50. His prime years were his 30s and 40s. How can Travolta pull that off?
I don't even know why he wants to play this part. Part of me thinks he's paying back a "favor" of some kind. And is it true that one of the Kardashians is up for the part of Junior's wife? Why don't they just get Snooki to play the part, for that matter?
I will say this though..if they put J Woww in the movie, then I'm definitely seeing it. I would do things to her I wouldn't even do to a goat.
"There was Jimmy and Tommy and me. And then there was Mo Black's brother, Fat Andy. And his guys, Frankie the Wop, Freddy No Nose. And then there was Pete the Killer, who was Sally Balls' brother. And Vinny the Goat Fucker, who got that nickname because he yelled ot 'baaaa' every time he took it up the dump chute. Which was quite often, from what I'm told."
I will say this though..if they put J Woww in the movie, then I'm definitely seeing it. I would do things to her I wouldn't even do to a goat.
"There was Jimmy and Tommy and me. And then there was Mo Black's brother, Fat Andy. And his guys, Frankie the Wop, Freddy No Nose. And then there was Pete the Killer, who was Sally Balls' brother. And Vinny the Goat Fucker, who got that nickname because he yelled ot 'baaaa' every time he took it up the dump chute. Which was quite often, from what I'm told."
I can't help but wonder how much these last two sentences could've devalued the entire movie. Would people still be crazy about it? Would people still see it as one of the best gangster pictures ever made? It's very hard to overlook something like this.
I love how everybody hates Lindsay Lohan and then automatically assuming the movie will suck because of her. Check her out in Bobby. Her performance really got me and she even wound up winning the break through actress award for it at the Hollywood Film Festival. Of course not all of her performances have been good, but when she delivers, she really does deliver. Hopefully she'll get her head straight for this one.
I love how everybody hates Lindsay Lohan and then automatically assuming the movie will suck because of her. Check her out in Bobby. Her performance really got me and she even wound up winning the break through actress award for it at the Hollywood Film Festival. Of course not all of her performances have been good, but when she delivers, she really does deliver. Hopefully she'll get her head straight for this one.
I know what you're saying, Vinny. As far as her personal life, I'm hoping Lindsay turns herself around. I have two daughters (one just about Lindsay's age), so I hate to see young women go into a downward spiral. But that doesn't stop me from loathing her white trash parents. That kid has to distance herself from those two leaches or she'll never find peace.
As far as my not liking her for this film, I stand by my assertion, and I'll tell you why. Vicki Gotti is a fucking cartoon character to begin with. I just think that Lindsay would overplay her, what with Vicki's big hair, fake tan, fake nails and (probably) fake boobs. I'm picturing all of the preening and gum chewing and I'm already getting the heebie jeebies. I know that you hate racism. Those stereotypes drive me nuts. Unfortunately, in the case of people like the Gottis, I acknowledge the fact that those stereotypes are sometimes true. But that doesn't mean I have to look forward to seeing them onscreen.
And what's with the title of this film? "Gotti: Three Generations." Are they fucking kidding me? I assume the third generation is the group of imbeciles from "Growing Up Gotti"? Who, on God's green earth, wants to see a movie about those clowns?
I'm sorry but, from the casting alone, this movie appears dead on arrival. John Travolta as Gotti? Lindsay Lohan as Victoria? I can only imagine who they're going to have play Gotti's wife and Junior Gotti. As for the director, I've only see a couple of his films. Alpha Dog was OK. And there was The Notebook, which I got dragged to. Total chick flick. And pizza boy is right, the title of the movie is pretty corny.
I don't know. I thought they were crazy when I heard Heath Ledger was going to be the Joker and look how that turned out. So maybe I'll be proven wrong. But I'm guessing not.
Well, we'll see what happens. Maybe she won't even be in it. I do agree with your views on the title. It's the type of title that just sucks all the energy out of you.
What I wanna see is a Victoria Gotti porno. Here's a list of a few title ideas.. Growing Inside Gotti How Vicki Got Her Tube Packed Victoria Gotti's Black Meat Fetish Fantasy Daddy's Little Bad Girl On Golden Blonde Cum And Have A Sitdown
Yeah, this is gonna suck hard. Travolta is the least menacing actor in Hollywood and when he tries playing mean or tough characters he just ends up chewing the scenery like a silent movie villain.
Well, we'll see what happens. Maybe she won't even be in it. I do agree with your views on the title. It's the type of title that just sucks all the energy out of you.
What I wanna see is a Victoria Gotti porno. Here's a list of a few title ideas.. Growing Inside Gotti How Vicki Got Her Tube Packed Victoria Gotti's Black Meat Fetish Fantasy Daddy's Little Bad Girl On Golden Blonde Cum And Have A Sitdown
Ah dude so wrong. Yet so funny. Yet so wrong. Nothing for nothing, but I liked Bobby, however Lohans performance didnt really do it for me. Surprised to learn she won an award for it.
& I had thought James Franco had signed on to play Junior. Im wondering how & if the brothers will be portrayed, especially with One Eyed Pete the titular boss.
& really; is there any dude alive that didnt get dragged into seeing The Notebook? I know gay dudes that think that movies gay.
I'm not looking forward to this one at all. Travolta, aside from being wrong for the part, is just too old. He's pushing 60 now. Gotti was jailed for life at 50. His prime years were his 30s and 40s. How can Travolta pull that off?
the way this is sounding i think hbo's version is still going to be the best gotti movie....joe pesci? wow i love his work but i think big pussy could still fit the role better than him....
Looks like John Gotti Jr.'s life is getting pretty nice. Believe it or not, but I'm happy for him. This beats being a Gambino lol.
Believe it or not, I'm rooting for him, too (even though I still think this movie is going to be a whitewash and a joke). He has clearly quit the mob, which takes both character and balls. He can't possibly be involved anymore, what with all of the publicity he's getting and the candid interviews that he's giving.
If he profits from making movies and writing books, regardless of their quality, it's still better than hanging out on a street corner and behaving like a goon. He seems to have grown up quite a bit from his time spent in prison. And the guy did almost ten full years. He's not a pussy.
I wish him luck, but he should really contact his father's tailor. He's been wearing that same sport jacket since his 2005 trial .
Believe it or not, I'm rooting for him, too (even though I still think this movie is going to be a whitewash and a joke). He has clearly quit the mob, which takes both character and balls. He can't possibly be involved anymore, what with all of the publicity he's getting and the candid interviews that he's giving.
If he profits from making movies and writing books, regardless of their quality, it's still better than hanging out on a street corner and behaving like a goon. He seems to have grown up quite a bit from his time spent in prison. And the guy did almost ten full years. He's not a pussy.
I wish him luck, but he should really contact his father's tailor. He's been wearing that same sport jacket since his 2005 trial .
Do you think the feds will come after him again? I'm hoping they'll let the guy be. Of course it's hard to excuse some of the crimes he may or may not have committed, but he is definitely a victim of circumstances. Being John Gotti's son is not a normal situation. I'm willing to give him a chance.
The Feds know they'd lose again because at this point it looks like they're just picking on him. Their best chance was in the first trial, back in September of '05. There was only one holdout that created the mistrial. It was 11-1 to convict. My personal opinion is that if Curtis Sliwa wasn't such an asshole and so damned unlikable, the Feds would have gotten a conviction. No one felt the slightest bit sorry for that asshole.
"Director Nick Cassavetes has been released from his contract to make the mob flick "due to scheduling conflicts" with another movie, it was reported today."
So all we know now is it won't be him or Stallone.
Yeah, I read where they have no financing whatsoever for the Gotti film, and that the press conference was really a de facto fundraiser to see if the publicity would get anyone interested in backing the movie financially. When no one showed any interest, Cassavetes backed out because of "scheduling problems."
No director. A joke for a cast. If this movie even gets made (a big if right now), it looks like it could be straight-to-dvd .
Yeah, I read where they have no financing whatsoever for the Gotti film, and that the press conference was really a de facto fundraiser to see if the publicity would get anyone interested in backing the movie financially. When no one showed any interest, Cassavetes backed out because of "scheduling problems."
No director. A joke for a cast. If this movie even gets made (a big if right now), it looks like it could be straight-to-dvd .
I'd seen mention of an $80 million budget, so I assumed Fiore already had it taken care of.
Where did you read that anyway? All I can find is Lohan reports on Google News.
You don't need no backers. Just release it independently. Have John Jr. play John Jr. and John Sr. Then Victoria plays herself and Angel. Pete could play himself and Gene. The only thing you need is a make up artist. Sure, people might laugh, but what's wrong with a comedy?
Following Nick Cassavetes's departure, Lindsay Lohan is also out... for the time being.
The local news station (which is from Lohan's hometown) is reporting that Lohan signed on as Junior Gotti's wife in this movie.
Kind of a consolation prize, no? The Vicki Gotti part has to be much bigger, considering she's supposedly in on the production.
As far as the film, I'll believe it when I see it. The whole thing still seems a little off to me. Between that silly press conference and the director dropping out just a few days later, combined with the supposed lack of financing, I just think this film will be plagued with production problems.
Such films usually end up with limited distribution or a straight-to-dvd release. To me it seems on par with "A Tale of Two Pizzas," or "Meet the Mobsters."
Kind of a consolation prize, no? The Vicki Gotti part has to be much bigger, considering she's supposedly in on the production.
The same local news station had reported (a few days ago) that Lohan would NOT be involved with the movie because the producers and she could not come to terms (according to them, Lohan was asking for too much). If they are right I'd guess that Lohan thought twice about passing up something that will be in the news for awhile.
Kind of a consolation prize, no? The Vicki Gotti part has to be much bigger, considering she's supposedly in on the production.
The same local news station had reported (a few days ago) that Lohan would NOT be involved with the movie because the producers and she could not come to terms (according to them, Lohan was asking for too much). If they are right I'd guess that Lohan thought twice about passing up something that will be in the news for awhile.
Yeah, that makes sense. She's already committed career harry carrey to a certain degree. For her to pass up on a second chance would be just plain stupid.
Glad to see Lohan back on board. She better be at work on time or else she'll be completely fucked, even in the eyes of people who want her to succeed. Hopefully they'll get some decent director for it. If I could pick the director, I'd pick Michael Mann.
I wasn't sure how all of you felt about Travolta in the role. I did read thru the posts and see many agree with me that Travolta is just not right for the part.
When I first saw the story headline last week or so, while browsing entertainment news, I saw Travolta was in the part and for whatever reason, decided I didn't care if I saw it or not. He's not a bad actor, but just wrong for this part for some reason.
After Assante's (sp??) turn as Gotti, I don't see why anyone would want to retell the story. Travolta is too old. Although he's a good actor, Assante inhabited that role and made it his. Anthony Quinn wasn't bad either. So why bother.
Glad to see Lohan back on board. She better be at work on time or else she'll be completely fucked, even in the eyes of people who want her to succeed. Hopefully they'll get some decent director for it. If I could pick the director, I'd pick Michael Mann.
No one would be better than Scorsese himself. But Michael Mann would also be a good choice.
Travolta as Gotti is obviously horrible casting but with Lindsay Lohan I can't even take the film seriously. Aside from the fact that she's such a flake and has such a cheesy persona, the fact that Victoria apparently figures prominently in the script concerns me. Who cares about her?
I always thought Vincent "The Chin" Gigante might make a good subject for a mob biopic, since his 'career' spanned so many periods of the mob.
The problem is all the good established 'mob' actors are old now and they haven't been replenished with a new generation of actors suitable for such roles. Then again maybe there are suitable actors out there that I'm not aware of...
Great call; I actually had Palminteri in mind also. He's a good actor with proven 'mob movie' chops and he looks a lot like him. My only concern is that he's a bit old now. He'd be perfect for the latter day Chin but you might need someone else for the younger chin; Nick Turturro maybe?
After Assante's (sp??) turn as Gotti, I don't see why anyone would want to retell the story. Travolta is too old. Although he's a good actor, Assante inhabited that role and made it his. Anthony Quinn wasn't bad either. So why bother.
armand assante did a spot on gotti. no way travolta will b able to match the job assante did. Pesce is way to old to play angelo . They shud get dominic chianse to play carlo gambino but i doubt they will, they havent casted any1 accurately yet so why start now
Yeah, 'Uncle Junior" (aka Chianese) would be perfect for Carlo Gambino, but it ain't gonna happen.
The only actor around nowadays who has (perhaps) both the right look and the acting chops to play Gotti is perhaps Nick Turturro.
i think nick tuturro would be great i also think tom sizemore would do a good job if he could get it back and get back to the old days of his acting career
I'm sorry to hear that. Al has made a few bad choices in his career, but he doesn't need to be a part of this debacle. Pacino is 5 foot 4, at the most. Neil Dellacroce shit bigger than that .
You've gotta be a fucking idiot if you're still convinced this will suck.
Thanks .
They have the actors. It's going to be entertaining. But it's not going to be true to the story. Not with Victoria and John Junior behind the scenes.
You've gotta be a fucking idiot if you're still convinced it's not going to be a whitewash .
I have no idea if it will be a whitewash or not, so I'm not convinced of anything. I do know John Gotti, Jr. knows this story better than me and I am looking forward to see it from his perspective. Maybe it will be a whitewash, but in all honesty, it isn't my biggest concern. All I want is a good movie and anyone who's followed Pacino and these other guys I mentioned knows they are a little more capable than Pauly Shore. They usually deliver. I do not know how this will turn out, but the people here talk as if they are convinced this will be a disaster. As if they know something I don't. And I know they don't .
We'll see what happens. It's not supposed to start filming for another 8 months, which is an eternity in film production. People sign on, people jump off. If it goes off as it is right now, it should be well acted. That much I know.
Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 05/10/1109:58 PM
Al Pacino signs on for role in Gotti: Three Generations
The star filled cast of the upcoming movie “Gotti: Three Generations” has added another icon to the list. Long time Hollywood star Al Pacino has signed on to co-star in the new Gotti movie. Pacino will play Gambino family mobster Neil Dellacroce who was a mentor to John Gotti Sr as he rose through the ranks of the family. Pacino has starred in many othe successful mob movies and now joins with fellow movie star Joe Pesci who also is known for his great roles in mob genre movies.
James Toback has also been brought according to The Hollywood Reporter to rewrite the script. The script was originally written by mob movie regular Leo Rossi and John Gotti Jr. Nick Cassevetes was originally signed on to direct the film and also rewrite the script but had to abandon the project and new director Barry Levinson.
The movie also stars John Travolta who signed on in January to play the role of the “Dapper Don” John Gotti Sr , Lindsay Lohan , Kelly Preston, and Ella Bleu. Marc Fiore is producing the film and now that the cast is seemingly starting to come together after some bumps along the way it seems like this thing will actually happen.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 05/11/1102:47 PM
Originally Posted By: SharpSquare
Al Pacino signs on for role in Gotti: Three Generations
The star filled cast of the upcoming movie “Gotti: Three Generations” has added another icon to the list. Long time Hollywood star Al Pacino has signed on to co-star in the new Gotti movie. Pacino will play Gambino family mobster Neil Dellacroce who was a mentor to John Gotti Sr as he rose through the ranks of the family. Pacino has starred in many othe successful mob movies and now joins with fellow movie star Joe Pesci who also is known for his great roles in mob genre movies.
James Toback has also been brought according to The Hollywood Reporter to rewrite the script. The script was originally written by mob movie regular Leo Rossi and John Gotti Jr. Nick Cassevetes was originally signed on to direct the film and also rewrite the script but had to abandon the project and new director Barry Levinson.
The movie also stars John Travolta who signed on in January to play the role of the “Dapper Don” John Gotti Sr , Lindsay Lohan , Kelly Preston, and Ella Bleu. Marc Fiore is producing the film and now that the cast is seemingly starting to come together after some bumps along the way it seems like this thing will actually happen.
So...um...wasn't Dellacroce's nickname The Tall Guy? They cast Pacino to do it! I'm sure he'll do a great job, but still...what's next is that we'll find out that Joe Pesci has been cast as Paul Castellano.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 05/11/1107:28 PM
Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
Great actors, terrible casting.
Perfectly put. But Pacino brings the film instant credibility; much more than Travolta ever did, so I hope this film proves me dead wrong.
Hey, I've been wrong many times before. For instance, I felt the same way when they announced that Mike Newell was going to direct "Donnie Brasco." I figured that just by virtue of his being a Brit, he couldn't pull it off. In hindsight, it was a very ignorant way for me to think. After "Goodfellas," I think "Donnie Brasco" might be the best film ever made about real life gangsters.
But I still hope Lindsay bows out (or gets thrown out for starting a fire on the set with her crack pipe).
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 05/11/1107:58 PM
I personally find Donnie Brasco to be the most realistic film about the mafia.
To be honest, I think John Travolta could look like John Gotti. Probably more than Assante. They have the same type of face.
Problem is I think Travolta is just a little bit too old. Especially if they going to portray Gotti in his 30s.
However, the film could be about the years when Gotti was the boss and when his son gets involved. John Gotti was in his mid 40s when he became the boss. Travolta is now about 57 so he could pull it off.
Remember that Robert DeNiro was also in his early 40s when he portrayed a Jake LaMotta in his 20s.
My biggest concern is Joe Pesci as Quack Quack. It just can't be.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 05/11/1108:09 PM
Good point, Sonny.
DeNiro was 36 when they filmed "Raging Bull." He was born in '43, they filmed "Bull" in '79. But you're right; a lot of people don't realize that when the film opened, he was playing a 19 or 20 year old Jake LaMotta. LaMotta was born in 1921. The film opened in the very early '40s.
I still think Travolta is too old, especially if the bulk of the film is going to take place in the '70s. We'll just have to wait and see.
Angelo Ruggiero died at 48 years old. Pesci will be close to 70 by the time they start filming this movie.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 05/11/1110:17 PM
Originally Posted By: Philly_Broadway
Hope it works out but Pesci as Angelo Ruggiero doesn't sound good to me. Anybody hear of a time frame when the movie is supposed to be out?
They're supposed to start filming in January. According to what I've read, if they get some more funding they'll move it up to December. So it'll probably be out in late 2012.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 06/25/1101:17 PM
Originally Posted By: olivant
Pacino, Travolta, Pesci or not, Armand Assante is Gotti.
Amen, Oli. I couldn't agree more. This casting sounds a lot like a hodge podge throw together miscast list of Italian actors with an open schedule next year. What's next - AJ Soprano as Carlo Gambino?!? This has disaster written all over it.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/01/1106:13 AM
Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
A lot can happen between now and then. Who knows, maybe Joe Pesci reads this topic and reconsiders his role.
Maybe Pesci feels he can do it. A lot of people forget or just don't know, but Pesci is one of the biggest mob groupies in New York City history. He's very close to Genovese capo Joe Dente and I know he had a relationship with a lot of the Gambinos, particularly Bobby Cabert and Anthony Corozzo. The guy has showed up on FBI surveillance cameras more than once. He probably even knew Angelo Ruggiero. Him and Frank Vincent know just about every major player in that life.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/01/1106:27 AM
Frank Vincent, Pesci and James Caan are probably the biggest mob groupies, as far as famous actors go. Anthony Quinn was another guy who had a relationship with a lot of gangsters. I know he was good friend of Frank Costello. Another guy many people tend to forget about is Marc Lawrence who played a lot of underworld characters. He's the guy who played Carlo Gambino in HBO's Gotti movie. Lawrence became very close to Lucky Luciano during Luciano's later years in Italy.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/02/1102:24 AM
i remember hearing that during the godfather filming that caan was seen around little italy with mobsters from the colombo family. wondered why he picked them or were they the only ones wanting more spotlight on them at the time?
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/02/1103:16 PM
Originally Posted By: VinnyGorgeous
Frank Vincent, Pesci and James Caan are probably the biggest mob groupies, as far as famous actors go. Anthony Quinn was another guy who had a relationship with a lot of gangsters. I know he was good friend of Frank Costello. Another guy many people tend to forget about is Marc Lawrence who played a lot of underworld characters. He's the guy who played Carlo Gambino in HBO's Gotti movie. Lawrence became very close to Lucky Luciano during Luciano's later years in Italy.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/02/1104:54 PM
Originally Posted By: phatmatress
i remember hearing that during the godfather filming that caan was seen around little italy with mobsters from the colombo family. wondered why he picked them or were they the only ones wanting more spotlight on them at the time?
I'm not sure, but Caan is from New York and I think he grew up around some of these guys. I have heard that he first met Andy Mush around the time they were preparing The Godfather. He was also seen paling around with other Colombos, particularly Persico and Franzese. In 2002, he even produced a movie with Franzese called This Thing Of Ours. Another guy involved in that was Danny Provenzano who has a racketeering conviction and is described by law enforcement as a Genovese associate. Paul Vario's grandson was also involved. Caan is like a wiseguy magnet . Andy Mush is also Scott Caan's godfather. Scott's full name is actually Scott Andrew Caan.
Another guy Caan was friendly with was Meyer Lansky. There is an interview with Caan where he talks about Lansky a little bit.
Originally Posted By: BAM_233
is sinatra considered a mob groupie?
To call Sinatra a mob groupie is an understatement. To quote Jimmy Alo, "That guy always wanted to be a gangster." I have Alo's interview around here somewhere. George Raft wanted to be a gangster as well.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/02/1105:55 PM
Originally Posted By: VinnyGorgeous
[/quote]
In 2002, he even produced a movie with Franzese called This Thing Of Ours. Another guy involved in that was Danny Provenzano who has a racketeering conviction and is described by law enforcement as a Genovese associate.
Re: Al Pacino signs on for role in new Gotti movie - 07/03/1105:57 PM
Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Originally Posted By: phatmatress
this movie sucked!
Hey, be careful what you say about that movie! ....... A good friend of mine named Paul bought that movie for me as a gift.
I liked it. Not that it was going to run away with all kinds of awards....but I thought the premise of the movie was an interesting one.
ha ha sorry don cardi....ya know what they say everyone is entitlted to their own opinion! glad you enjoyed it tho. was not my cup of tea, perhaps for the star power that was in it i expected more outta it
Gotti producer says Pesci backed out of film By ANTHONY McCARTNEY July 27, 2011
LOS ANGELES -- The producer of a biopic on the Gotti crime family says Joe Pesci backed out of the project months ago and isn't entitled to $3 million he is seeking.
Pesci sued Fiore Films in Los Angeles on Wednesday, claiming producers reneged on a deal to cast him in a starring role in the Gotti film.
Fiore Films CEO Marc Fiore says Pesci's representatives told him in writing months ago that the actor wouldn't do any work on the film until they replaced they replaced a director who left the project.
Fiore says he has tried unsuccessfully in recent weeks to work out a deal with Pesci's representatives for a smaller part.
Pesci's attorney, Brandon Tesser, says it's untrue that the actor pulled out of the film and that any casting change hadn't been conveyed to the Oscar-winner until recently.
Gotti producer says Pesci backed out of film By ANTHONY McCARTNEY July 27, 2011
LOS ANGELES -- The producer of a biopic on the Gotti crime family says Joe Pesci backed out of the project months ago and isn't entitled to $3 million he is seeking.
Pesci sued Fiore Films in Los Angeles on Wednesday, claiming producers reneged on a deal to cast him in a starring role in the Gotti film.
Fiore Films CEO Marc Fiore says Pesci's representatives told him in writing months ago that the actor wouldn't do any work on the film until they replaced they replaced a director who left the project.
Fiore says he has tried unsuccessfully in recent weeks to work out a deal with Pesci's representatives for a smaller part.
Pesci's attorney, Brandon Tesser, says it's untrue that the actor pulled out of the film and that any casting change hadn't been conveyed to the Oscar-winner until recently.
i dunno Travolta is a good actor. i have hope that he can pull it off, he has come a very long way from Vinny Barbarino. He has been a good villain and a good good guy! I think the Gotti Jr is going to try and make Gotti Sr look like a cross between a good guy and a villain
The physical differences aside, Foster is a great actor.
Ben Foster snags role as John Gotti Jr. in 'Gotti' biopic, joins John Travolta, Lindsay Lohan BY Nancy Dillon DAILY NEWS WEST COAST BUREAU CHIEF Tuesday, August 2nd 2011, 8:55 PM
LOS ANGELES - After gunning for the likes of Jeremy Renner and James Franco, producers of the upcoming Gotti family biopic have cast "Six Feet Under" actor Ben Foster in the pivotal role of John Gotti Jr.
The 30-year-old will face off against John Travolta's portrayal of the infamous mafia don John Gotti Sr. and round out a cast that includes Al Pacino, Kelly Preston and Lindsay Lohan.
Foster said he got a break when Gotti director Barry Levinson cast him in the 1999 coming of age movie "Liberty Heights," and he was "honored" to join the mobster movie.
"Barry Levinson was the first director who took a chance on me, and I have a career because of him," Foster said in a statement.
"Gotti: In The Shadow Of My Father" begins shooting in New York this January and is billed as an intimate, insider's view of life at the top of the Gambino crime family.
"I love Ben's passion for the role," Fiore Films CEO Marc Fiore told the Daily News. "This isn't a shoot-em-up gangster movie. It's a story about a father and son. Ben has the edge that most people expect with Junior, but he can play the other, deeper side too."
Fiore said Lohan's deal isn't finished yet, but he's "hoping" to close it soon.
He declined further comment on Joe Pesci's lawsuit claiming producers unfairly whacked his deal to play Gotti enforcer Angelo Ruggiero.
The suit, filed last Wednesday, is asking for $3 million plus punitive damages.
"(Pesci) ended his very strict and healthy diet, and has so far gained approximately 30 pounds in anticipation of playing Ruggiero, who was well known for his heavy and stock build," the lawsuit said.
"It's a joke. Mr. Pesci is going to embarrass himself," Fiore told the News last week.
He said Pesci joined the project under previous director Nick Cassavetes, and when Cassavetes walked away, Pesci's manager wouldn't discuss a contract until another director was hired.
"If this is what Joe wants to do, we'll see him in court," Fiore said. "He's not getting a penny from me."
Y'know I actually dont mind that guy. I liked his go in Alpha Dog. I kind of interested in how he'll try and portray Jr. You guys are right but, I wonder if he'll be able to pull it off.
Still...Al Pacino. And lets admit it, we'll probably all go see it, wont we?
I heard GoodFella Henry was going to play the neigbor that goes missing and they actually cut his head off and put it on a stake in John Gottis Frontyard
I heard GoodFella Henry was going to play the neigbor that goes missing and they actually cut his head off and put it on a stake in John Gottis Frontyard
You realize this is not going to be a real mob movie, Gotti Jr is not going to show anything he was involved in. This is going to be a Dad and Son love story.I'll wait for the DVD.
That's my biggest problem with the film. And the irony is, in real life they couldn't stand each other.
Exactly he loved that lewis Kasman guy more than John Jr. This movie looks absolutely horrible. Yes pacino is in it but lets face it pacino has done some real stinkers the past 10 years We know the gotti's will portray him as a loveable guy and not the power hungry egotistical degenerate he really was. even the 1996 gotti movie was a fictionalized portrayal of him even though Assante did a real good job
That's my biggest problem with the film. And the irony is, in real life they couldn't stand each other.
For some reason this comment has me in stitches.
Jr always seemed kinda mookish to me. He was the guy that saved a list of made-guys after all. If he had some sort of plan involving that piece of paper it failed miserably. I wonder if that'll be in the movie.
I've got to agree, Foster holds no resemblance what-so-ever to Junior. I do like his acting but... I can't see how he can resemble John Junior. Number #1 he is going to have to hit the weights room but there's a lot more than that. I actually think that John Travolta could look a bit like John Junior, it's a pity (in that sense) that he is playing John.
Chazz Palminteri is Ready to Join 'Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father' August 24, 2011 Source: Variety by Ethan Anderton
Our last update on the film had Ben Foster reuniting with director Barry Levinson for Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father. With the actor taking the role of John Gotti, Jr. essentially the entire Gotti family has been cast. Now Variety has word on another great name joining the cast as someone outside of the crime family but still very much involved with the mob. Apparently Chazz Palminteri has landed the role of Mafia boss Paul Castellano, the man who succeeds Carlo Gambino as head of the Gambino crime family. It's after the murder of Castellano in 1985 that the elder John Gotti takes over the criminal organization.
Between Analyze This and The Usual Suspects, the actor has had a wide array of experience in different types of crime films, but in this case, Palminteri is really excited to be working with a cast that also includes John Travolta, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Kelly Preston and Lindsay Lohan. The actor says, "I have seen this film come together from the very start and am pleased to be able to work alongside such great talent to bring this story to the bigscreen. I have been a longtime admirer of Barry Levinson and am looking forward to working with him." There's no doubt Palminteri has just the right presence to play Castellano, and his addition just makes this project all the more intriguing.
The new book "Mob Killer," about Charlie Carneglia, details some of Gotti Jr's history with the Gambino family. Not sure if any of that will get into the film.
It's pretty extraordinary that an actor portrays a character which he has already portrayed once in another film. You don't see that very often at all.
It's pretty extraordinary that an actor portrays a character which he has already portrayed once in another film. You don't see that very often at all.
It's pretty extraordinary that an actor portrays a character which he has already portrayed once in another film. You don't see that very often at all.
Isn't that Frank Vincent's gig?
yeah frank vincent does that but he does a great fuckin job of it. i remember in the movie cop land he was the police chief or something. but he was true gangster even in that character. he's made a career of doing that. and its worked. good for him!
LOL Al Pacino portraying Delacroce? Haha, Delacroce was pretty tall, Al Pacino is like 5 feet nothing! Oh well, i guess they can fool us with movie effects.
instead of travolta how about harvey keitel being gotti, and lindsay lohan was playing a role which is kind of stupid to have her in this stay with disney.
It isn't Pacino which worries me about this film. Pacino can nail any role he wants.
Damn straight Sonny. Well put.
Originally Posted By: botz
instead of travolta how about harvey keitel being gotti, and lindsay lohan was playing a role which is kind of stupid to have her in this stay with disney.
A few other guys have stated that Lohan may actually be able to pull it off, since her more serious work in things like RFK biopic Bobby. Still...I also believe its sounding dubious. In any case, seeing her titties in Machete was pretty sweet. Another gratuitous nude scene or two in this film way well make it worth the price of admission
Thinking more about it though, despite some well known flops and misfires, when he pulls it off Travolta can be alright. And having recently rewatched "Alpha Dog", I have to say Im actually pretty keen to see how Ben Foster is going to try and portray Gotti the younger.
In all likelihood, shitty reviews or not, Ill be seeing it. Like most of us, I think.
This is potentially a great film with the topic full of action and drama, however I worry its going to be pretty awful. With Gotti Jr involved he might make Gotti Sr be some sort of Robin Hood man of honour, who was a hero in NY. Also Travolta might be pretty cheesy as Gotti. I hope I'm wrong though!
I always hated the idea of this film. Not because it is a bad idea but because of the people involved. Its a little tough to take a mob film series when lindsay lohan is considered lol. But what i hate is that the gotti family is heavily involved which is gonna make this a very fictionalized bio. I've heard from victoria what a great dad he was. But on the otherhand there is evidence that he beat his son and wife for visiting angelo ruggiero when he was sick. Also he called his family morons more than once lol. I'd rather them do a bio on nicky scarfo
I kind of agree. But to create drama rather than have a movie about a cut and dried murderer which would be boring since it's been done so much before, they probably need some fiction.
So get this. The missus like big, balls out action movies right? As such, she pretty much creams for anything with Jason "I only ever play tough guys, hitmen or a courier of some kind" Statham. At the video store the other night, her eyes fall on "The Mechanic" and she snaps it up. HER: "Im getting this. No, shut up, Im getting this" ME: "Okay, whatever. But if you're getting a stupid movie, then Im getting out Jackass 3"
Anyway, once we get home and started watching it (her movie first, as per usual , a bit into it, I realise its got Donald Sutherland in it (I think that Keifer spawning bastard is a way better actor then his son) and perk up a little. Shortly later, I realise Ben Foster is in it.
Now this movie (The Mechanic) is really no great art or anything, but I must say I didn't mind Fosters performance as a bungling, wannabe hitman. (There's more to it than that, but thats the jist. Statham's the pro, Fosters the apprentice, andn taken under his [Stathams] wing, he tries his best which just aint good enough)
My point is that Im more and more inclined to give Foster a chance. Sure he looks nothing like Gotti Jr, but remember its more about approximating a non-fictional character's mannerisms and personality than looking exactlty like him. Look at James Franco in the Allen Ginsberg biopic "Howl", Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon" or Pacino in the upcoming Phil Spector one. There's way more examples of actors pulling off parts in biopics despite looking and being nothing like their subjects in real life.
I think people doing "casting calls" for biopics often stumble in assigning whichever actor looks most physically like the subject to the role, as if that guarantees it'll be pulled off.
Clint Eastwood's production of "J. Edgar" (in cinema's Nov 9) with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role is another example. When you hear "Hoover" DiCaprio is not exactly the first guy you'd think of.
But he's another guy that I never used to like back in the day, but then he just picks up so many good scripts and has a few good turns and you know what? I dont mind Leo DeCrapio so much at all these days. If he's good enough for Scorsese, well he's good enough for me, dagnabbit.
What Im saying is Im gonna give Foster a chance to have a go. He either will or will not pull it off.
Travolta: Bless me, mamma Gotti By BRUCE GOLDING and KEVIN FASICK September 23, 2011
John Travolta channeled his inner goombah yesterday when he flew from Hollywood to Howard Beach to kiss the ring of John Gotti’s widow.
The sit-down was called to get Victoria Gotti’s “blessing” for her son’s planned biopic, which is scheduled to start shooting in January, a production source told The Post.
The pilgrimage brought Travolta to the Queens home where the late crime boss he’ll be portraying lived while ruthlessly running the Gambino crime family.
The “Pulp Fiction” star arrived bearing tribute -- a gold gift bag -- for his meeting with the mob matriarch and other key players involved in the movie.
He was greeted with handshakes and hugs from John “Junior” Gotti and several other men who were outside when he showed up at 4:30 p.m.
The group then disappeared inside Victoria’s white clapboard home for more than two hours.
The star summit must have gone well. At one point, two kids ran to a neighbor’s house to get more ice.
Travolta emerged from his first face-to-face meeting with the domineering Gambino queen, whose notorious hubby died in prison in 2002, shortly before 7 p.m.
Travolta showed he has a better sense of omerta than most of today’s wiseguys do -- he wouldn’t say nuttin’ when asked if Mamma Gotti gave him her OK.
All the star would give up was that he was at the home doing “research for the movie.”
He and his movie “son” Junior then took off together in a black Grand Cherokee Laredo. A source said they were headed to Long Island to have dinner with Junior’s sister, former reality-TV star Victoria Gotti.
Producer Marc Fiore was also at the confab.
“Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father,” which is being directed by Oscar winner Barry Levinson, is set to start shooting in New York City in January.
Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, is set to play the elder Victoria, and “X-Men” actor Ben Foster will play Junior.
The cast also includes “Godfather” star Al Pacino as Gambino family underboss Aniello “Neil” Dellacroce; Lindsay Lohan as Junior’s wife, Kim; and Chazz Palminteri as the late mob boss Paul Castellano, whose infamous 1985 rub-out in front of Sparks Steak House was believed orchestrated by the elder Gotti and paved the way for his takeover of the Gambino crime family.
Junior arrived early at his mom’s house yesterday and was joined there by defense lawyer Charles Carnesi, who brought a box of Italian pastries.
Carnesi -- who helped Junior win three of four racketeering mistrials by arguing the mob scion quit the Mafia in 1999 -- is being considered to play himself, a source said.
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting really tired of watching Travolta kiss up to the Gottis. It's embarrassing. Of course I'm going to see the film, for Pacino and Palminteri. But you have to admit, the idea of a sexually confused, culturally Irish Scientologist playing John Gotti must have the man spinning in his grave.
But somehow I'm starting to get the feeling this is going to be a decent mob film. Travolta could definitely "look" like Gotti, but he has to do something with his voice though.
Yeah, they have a great director in Levinson, and Pacino will hit it out of the park for sure. Like I said, I'm going to see it. But I just don't expect Travolta to nail it the way that Armand Assante did.
The producer of "Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father" has lashed out at Joe Pesci, claiming he's a has-been who is desperately seeking attention by trying to force himself into the movie. [...] Fiore claims it never had a deal with Joe ... there were discussions but no commitment. Fiore says sadly, "[Pesci] desperately wants to be part of this film project."
I would have to agree with you on that one. When is the movie set to come out on the screen.
i don't think its to start production until 2012. hopefully it will be better than "to kill the irishman" speaking of that anyone ever know what happned to the irish man with deniro in it about that dude from "i heard you paint houses" name slips my mind right now even tho i read the book about him.....
There's rumours the movie might not be happening after all. If they cant meet their finacila obligations in time...
I posted something to that effect a few months ago, Mick. My gut feeling has been that the movie won't happen. I think the photo-ops with Junior and Travolta were all publicity stunts to try to draw in investors, and I just don't think they're likely to get serious financial backing with the cast they've assembled (Pacino aside, of course ). If this film ever happens, I wouldn't be surprised if it's staight to dvd with an entirely different cast. I read this little piece in yesterday's NY Post, which only reaffirms my position.
Nix Flick
Joseph Barracato, NY Post
Lindsay Lohan thought she had an Italian job to tap into to pay off her many legal bills, but that paycheck may never materialize.
Lohan is to portray Kim Gotti -- John Gotti, Jr.’s wife -- in the much-flapped-about gangster flick, “Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father.”
Well, maybe not.
The film, which is slated to star John Travolta and Al Pacino, may not see the light of day, according to two Tinseltown sources.
Countless financial hurdles have already forced production to be delayed three times, and now the flick is on life support.
“It’s pretty hard to get actors to agree to start shooting without a contract,” laughed OTM’s insider. “No money translates into no film. This film has no prayer of getting off the ground.”
Carpanzano says he has a total amount of “two hundred million euros allocated to them [Fiore Films]. That’s for other projects also. They have inside problems. I’ve never encountered anything so difficult in my life. This is a lack of cooperation from bankers, from them. There’s something else there. Money is not the issue. It’s the safety of everything involved. There’s a big responsibility there. If you give someone $260, $280 million, you want to make sure you get it back.”
Where is the $280 million now? “I’d rather not say. But it’s available to them. But anyone who can put a project together can have it. Money is available for projects in Hollywood."
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). If this film ever happens, I wouldn't be surprised if it's staight to dvd with an entirely different cast. I read this little piece in yesterday's NY Post, which only reaffirms my position.