Schnappt Gotti

This documentary series boasts a compelling atmosphere reminiscent of Netflix's acclaimed true crime productions. Its greay quality and seamless transitions, coupled with cut scenes capturing the nostalgia of 1980s New York, contribute to its visual appeal.

However, the disappointment lies in the absence of any groundbreaking revelations or fresh insights. As a dedicated enthusiast of mob-related cinema and documentaries, my anticipation for novel perspectives was unmet. I know the gotti story well. Very well, but the absence of even one shred of new content was profoundly disheartening.

Regrettably, this series merely comprises federal agents recounting their experiences of planting surveillance devices in buildings, lacking the depth necessary to delve into Gotti's story.

For those well-versed in titles like "Fear City" or the HBO production on Gotti (which I highly recommend), this documentary does not offer much beyond its polished aesthetics and period-specific charm.

The rise and fall of crime boss John Gotti is an interesting story. There's even a secondary story, that of different U. S. enforcement agencies that were competing to convict him, rather than cooperating. Unfortunately, this Netflix documentary spins the story out to a far greater length than it requires, with too many talking heads saying things like "this time, I really thought we'd got him" ad naseum, and endless details provided that add little insight to the overall narrative. I feel that with Netflix there's often a presumption that "more is more", and what could have been gripping if briefer becomes repetitivie and dull. The series also allows former gangsters to laugh about their crimes under interview without challenge as if it was all good fun, which leaves a sour taste.

Gotti's crew want to be in his favor. Law enforcement want the prestige of being the ones who catch him. Prosecutors want the prestige of being the ones who convict him. Reporters want the prestige of being the ones invited to his parties - more concerned with being seen with him than covering him.

Everyone in the documentary seems to gleefully tell everyone how they were connected to him, whether they were for or against him. The filmmakers could've done more to explain how bad Gotti was. How mob members, neighborhood residents, law enforcement and the legal system were all in a cult-like infatuation with him. Instead it seems they're in the cult, too. It's almost a glorification of the guy.

The end result is you fell like you're watching people talk about that time they once met the cousin of Elvis Presley's barber's dog sitter.

The whole Gotti story is completely overdone so I'm surprised this series even got commissioned, although it was a good watch in that it gave you the perspectives of people who'd also been there at the height of his power not just some grey FBI agents. Yes, that Mouw guy is still there, dining off his contribution, but a fair amount of the interviewees are from a range of backgrounds - his associates all still revel in the age of course, like it was the pinnacle of their lives - that Giovino woman especially almost can't get over her dalliance with fame and power.

The programme's main takeaway is that law enforcement seem idiotic as most of them were in direct competition to arrest the man himself instead of cooperating with each other. They overlook some of his more heinous crimes too, focusing mostly on the Castellano hit (not what he did to his poor neighbour John Favara). Also the prosecutor Giacalone comes out of this looking awful: she sent jurors home in limos (so they could be tailed and paid off) and later exposed an FBI informant who was then killed....totally incompetent and it's no wonder Gotti stayed free for so long.

It's mostly a nostalgic look back for a lot of these ex-wiseguys and agents, to a time when they were important, on both sides of the law. You almost can't believe this sort of criminal organisation was allowed to exist so brazenly back then now you look back at it. But overall RIP to all his victims, this guy was no hero.

Paul Castellano, the infamous head of The Gambino family is killed, waiting in the wings is his protégé John Gotti, who's keen to climb to the top, and keen for a celebrity status.

This really is a no holds barred look at the incredible story of John Gotti, from his rise, his celebrity, becoming the Teflon Don, and his eventual demise.

It's a fascinating watch, there are some incredible interviews, jaw dropping insights, and several moments where you'll almost struggle to believe what you are watching.

I'm glad Netflix decided to make it a three part series, and no longer, it never feels over long or dull, it's very punchy.

What struck me most was the lack of cooperation between the various strands of The Authorities, it seemed they each wanted the glory, surely he'd have been convicted a lot sooner had they worked together.

8/10.