America Loves Gangsters - Other Worthwhile Trades Largely Ignored

If you were from outer space and looked through a film library you would think most of our society was composed of gangsters and zombies. They are such a primary focus of creative talent. It's fascinating that creative people are so interested in these groups and not in people who really do something good in the world, like doctors and dentists for example. In fact, the only time I can remember a movie about a dentist was "Marathon Man" and that dentist was strictly freelance and not very nice.

Everybody is interested in bad guys, or zombies. Not too much interest in the humanitarian side of the ledger. What does this say about people?

Getting down to brass tacks, Travolta is not a bad choice. Also cool that Gotti, Jr. has given his blessing. I would hate to think of what would happen if he did NOT bless this project. No horse in California would be safe! This movie will play up the father/son angle. It could be funny. Like if Gotti, Jr. does badly as a gangster Gotti/Travolta could say "I'm so ashamed of you. You don't even know how to rob or kill anyone."

One positive thing that people overlook is that these films often provide work for real-life former gangsters and guys who would like to be gangsters. It's like a healthy and legal pretend outlet for them. A whole imaginary world, like kids make up. If they weren't in the movies they would be acting out in real life and getting in trouble.

John Travolta is set to play John Gotti Sr., the mobster known as the Dapper Don, in the indie pic Gotti: Three Generations.

Nick Cassavetes will direct the screenplay by Leo Rossi, which focuses on the relationship between John Gotti Sr., the head of the Gambino crime family who died in prison in 2002, and his son John Gotti Jr., who took over the family business for his father, served time in prison, but then successfully escaped conviction in four subsequent racketeering trials.

Marc Fiore is producing for his Fiore Films. Marty Ingels, the former comic turned talent broker, has come on board the project as executive producer.

Gotti Jr., who's given his blessing to the project, plans to join the producers, Travolta and Cassavetes at a press conference on April 12 at the Sheraton New York Hotel.

Travolta, repped by WME, last appeared in the action thriller From Paris with Love.

[The Hollywood Reporter]