Sitdown with "The Best Gotti Ever" Armand Assante - Part 1 | Michael Franzese 

Gotti 96 is an incredibly underrated movie

This man is an actor’s OG!!! From his mannerisms, to his well spoken fluency, The way he tells classic stories. Give this man flowers right now and put the utmost respect on his name, Armand Assante!!

Mr. Assante is one of the most underrated Actors there is. His work is of the Highest Level and in my humble opinion, it’s because of what he brings to a role. His character work is impeccable. He becomes the Character from the inside out. Again, in my opinion, he is on the same level as Mr. De Niro and Mr. Pacino. In fact, I’ll go a step further and say this, he is in a league all his own. Excellent interview. Thanks for sharing. Be well.

"For you to Die rich and me die poor" For Arman to say that on your sit down was absolutely amazing

Armand is so well spoken and smart. You can tell he really understands film and acting. what a true gentleman and talent. Hope everyone is safe and doing well.

Armand is not a “movie star”, he is actor’s actor trained in the tradition of New York theater. Great interview Michael.

My parents loved this actor he is well known and admired all over the world . Greetings from Serbia!

Michael is a hell of good interviewer , he ask some good question , knows when to ask it and let his guest talk at will without interrupting ...so refreshing .

Armand is so charismatic and very Italian because he can't talk without his hands. What a great sit down with two living legends! Thank you Michael!

That Gotti movie was a classic! I don't why he didn't play in a lot more Mob movies after that... He's up there with Pacino, Deniro, and Pesci in my book...he even killed it in American Gangster... delivered one of the most iconic lines in that movie... "Success took a shot at you... What are you going to do, become unsuccessful...Frank, you can be successful and have enemies, or you can be unsuccessful and have friends"

Armand Assante: 'Writing is everything'. What a humble soul he is, given his masterful execution of the scripts.

Armand Assante great actor ..most underated..so easy on the eye

"How long have we been around this thing of ours? This Cosa Nostra? 120 years. What's it about? It's about the rules, parameters. You take the beating for a friend, you don't run, you don't lay down, you don't betray who you are. What you are". Mr. Assante, a legendary actor in one of my all time favorite films. Thank you for this, Michael!!

Gotti was a terrific movie. Armand Assante is a phenomenal actor and a great person!

And his gorgeous looks persist!!! This man, WOW!!! I've always been swept away by how handsome he is, and nothing's changed!!

Armand, had so many gift’s. His performances are by far incredible. He takes his craft so professionally, intriguing. He put’s his soul into his role. He played brilliantly as John Gotti. Awesome.

His body language way of talking and carrying himself is truly pure magnetism

Armand is an extremely intelligent, philosophical & wise man. The youth should listen to his views rather than watching Tiktok videos all day.

Ever since watching him in Gotti. I was blown away by his performance. He’s definitely a legend. Amazing man 💖

Armand would have been brilliant as Richie Aprile in the Sopranos. That said, David Proval's performance was still incredible!

Michael is a great interviewer because he actually lets the guests talk.

The epitome of a classy, gracious, humble person. Pays attention, stays on topic answering the questions , makes you feel as his equal which not too many people, let alone celebrities do today. So looking forward to part 2. Oh, and well spoken. We mustn’t forget well spoken.

Gotti is one of those movies that you can watch lots of times without getting bored. I love it.

It breaks my heart to see Armande down on his health, he is a beautiful actor

Its wonderful that Armand mentioned Robert Harmon's film The Hitcher. The guy has an insane eye for character, intrigue, and drama.

Michael you are the man, you don’t just talk you make it happen!

Armand is a gift to acting. He's in the same realm as Morgan Freeman and James spader. Anything I've seen of his has been spectacular.

Michael Franzese is a true gentleman to let people speak like that. A very capable interviewer. Both men feel like a breath of fresh air!

Can't wait for the second part, he's actually very well known here in Romania; if i am allowed to say, pretty underrated in US and that's sad, he's a brilliant actor, nailed every role, he's comparable to DeNiro, Pacino, Hanks and all them good actors whom brought us drama, joy and inspired us with their performances.

Definitely an underrated actor, Gotti has to be one of the best mob movies out there because of Armand. Sign him up Michael to your series, along with Vinny Pastore

First movie with Armand that I remember was Napoleon. I was hooked. Great actor!

Assante has to be in the Top 10 of all time. He is that good but he didn't play the Hollywood game like the others so parts were not offered to him. He can go right up there with the best and steal the scene any day of the week. Any role he does is pure gold.

The Mambo King himself!!! Love all of his movies...God Bless Brother Michael.

You tell someone's a good guy when they talk about other people more than themselves.

This guy is mesmerizing on screen and in this interview. He ranks with Brando and the best of the very best that ever graced the silver screen.

In 1986, I saw an indie flic, Belizaire The Cajun, starring Armand, who I had never heard of, and was blown away by his power and charisma. Loved him in everything I've seen him in since. What a a great talent!

Armand assante in the role of your father and chaz palmatary as Joe Colombo, in the series about your life would be awesome. 💯🔥

I will never stop being mad at the fact that Armand Assante was never in more mob movies.

“Life happens in seconds” - Armand Assante

HBO should put Gotti in the cinemas for 1 day worldwide imagine the money it would make.

Gotti is my favorite mob movie, most underrated movie in mob history, right behind godfather, Armand is an amazing actor..He plays John Gotti better than John Gotti!!! This was awesome thank you Michael.

Such a talented actor..you never let us down Michael- Thank You

I remember watching The Odyssey when I was young and being blown away by the story, but Armand in particular. As a kid it captured my imagination and to this day, I love mythological stories. Anyways, he is a true talent. Thanks so much for keeping the quality content on your channel, Michael. Wishing you and your family the best!

As a writer myself, it’s really wonderful to hear the respect that Armand has for writers. Thanks a lot for this, Michael. Can’t wait for part two.

I love Armand, I really enjoy listening to him talk. He’s got such charisma, he’s really sharp, great stories. Thanks for this, I really appreciate how you let Armand talk and share his thoughts. Often interviewers take over - respect for not doing so!

Oh man, he mentioned the original The Hitcher movie with Rutger Hauer. That movie is AMAZING. The truck stop scene is one of the most intense brutal scenes in movie history.

I watched Gotti with Armand on your recommendation, and boy it didn't disappoint. Thank you for that. It felt so real, you are left wanting to see more.

Armand is amazing. Great actor. Smooth as silk. Cool as ice! Great performance. Armand could give Marlon Brando acting lessons. Hugely underappreciated.

One of the most undervalued actors of all times. He’s just incredible.

The way Armand talks is just extremely sophisticated

This is the first long interview I’ve ever seen with Mr. Assante. The man is very humble and very brilliant. Thank you Michael for this interview!

Wow! What an honor it must be to be in the presence of such class and greatness..I’m a huge movie buff and there is nobody that can play Gotti better…it was so good I can’t watch ANYONE play John Gotti anymore. May God bless this amazing man and thank you for all the great movies.

Every week Michael you deliver!!! Cannot get any better than this one!!

Gotti is a criminally under rated movie. Armand crushed that role

Armand is one of those actors that I can never remember their name, but I always remember their performances!

Anthony Quinn PROUD MEXICAN ACTOR is another extremely underrated actor and delivered a brilliant performance

Been waiting for this ,I buried my dad today and what a lift up

You knew we wanted to hear Mr Assante and you sat back and let him express himself. Well done.

I can't think of more under-rated, under-appreciated actor than this brilliant man. I'm so glad he's receiving his due while he's still alive. Sure, he's been successful but, this man belongs with DeNiro, Pacino, Nicholson....he's that good and deserved THAT type of success and those types of roles.

Look how God has blessed you, he's given you favor amongst other amazing things, I truly enjoy watching your channel 🙏

"I'm not thinkin', you're thinkin'. I'm eatin'! And he's goin'."

Its so crazy to imagine that these legends only differ two years in age

"A peasant revolutionary" I love that. Mr Assante is a true artist

What a great actor and a great interview Michael your a gentleman be lucky God bless 🇮🇪

The thing that really got me about this sit down was Mr Assante saying how you can go left or right and how that 1 choice can change your life forever. This transfers to every walk of life! So insightful!! Great job as always Michael! Good vibes from Philadelphia.

Watched Gotti after your recommendation, and after watching Travolta’s poor attempt. Night and day. Armand stole the show and put Travolta to shame. It’s also hard to believe Travolta as a tough guy since he’s such a princess in real life. Armand is a REAL mans’ man!

Armand is very underrated imo. I read the book Rage of Angel's when it came out. Armand was a perfect Michael Moretti.

One of my most favorite actors. awesome to see him here! Great insight to the process of acting.

At this point Michael, you should have your own talk show! You’d be brilliant!! ☺️👍

I have seen the HBO Gotti move about 8 times. Damn good actors!

I definitely think these interviews work so well is because Michael Fransese has terrrific timing and genuine interest in the guest -- you could tell from 21:47 specifically that he is clearly interested in listening to Armand Assante describe his impression of Gotti. Just the subtle non-verbal communication imploring Arman to continue and never interrupting or oversharing his own experiences. Would love to see more movie wise guys be interviewed. I think someone like Michael Madsen would be very approachable and have a lot to share about Donnie Brasco.

One of America's greatest treasures! I have been a fan for many years because he brings his roles to a level of authenticity rarely seen!

What an honour it is to listen to this interview! Armand Assante is absolutely underrated! Thank you Michael! Like and subscribe everyone!

When Michael mentioned they were making a tv series on his life, Armand playing his father was literally the first thing that came to mind.

Definitely one of the most gifted actors/communicators of all time.

Michael, I just love the way you run your interviews. You are a natural host and know exactly what to say, when to say! Thank you for class act!

That portrayal of the mob was one of the best I'd ever seen, Anthony Quinn also, holy Lord !!!

What an absolute LEGEND i could listen to Armand all day

Man one thing that @Michael Franzese Is his interviewing skills are top notch!! I just love the fact that Michael lets the guest tell their story he doesn't try to talk over anyone I swear I've watched so many different RU-vid interviews and Michael truly missed his calling lol, He just keeps getting better and better with every sit-down episode which is probably some of the best content out on RU-vid right now! Keep up the good work Michael

Thank you, Mr Assante, for continuing to inspire and intrigue us,....your brilliance of character continues to shine, still the shining Star!

Waited a long time for this , so grateful Michael turned us on to Armand's Gotti movie its a hidden gem in the truest sense

2 very classy and charismatic gentlemen, having such an engaging conversation, sharing stories and points of view. Thank you for sharing these with us. 🤌🏼 Epic. God bless🙏🏼

Armand Assante's performance in Gotti is a 'Brando in Streetcar' performance, what I mean is while giving that performance he is fearless. Marlon Brando's performance as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire is the best performance in film history. The main reason that is so is because Brando's performance was fearless, from the way he eats the greasy chicken while talking to blanche and Stella to his forceful smashing the plates, he doesn't care what anyone else thinks he just does, that is a fearless and powerful performance, you don't see those types of performances very often even from great actors, they are very rare but when you see that type of fearless performance you know it, Paul Newman in The Hustler is another one, Armand Assante as Gotti is another one, a powerful and fearless performance, the way Gotti talks and says the lines of course he is a powerful mob boss but the way Assante delivers the lines is fearless, one scene comes to mind where he is walking and talking to Sammy the Bull and he puts up his fists like play fighting, it almost seems like it catches the other actor off guard, I always wondered if that was improvised by Assante, that's probably the first thing I would ask him if I ever talked to him , but that scene describes the entire fearless performance of Armand Assante as John Gotti Brando's Vito Corleone is known by everyone where Assantes Gotti is alot lesser known (surprisingly by anyone that saw it) In a way Armand Assante Gotti is just as good or even better then Brando's Vito Corleone (Brando's role was quite small compared to the whole Godfather film) of course Brando's Vito Corleone was powerful and one of cinemas best performances of all time, Assante gives closer to what Brando did in Streetcar then what Brando did in the Godfather but Vito Corleone is not Brando's best performance. Brando had multiple fearless and great performances but none on the level of Streetcar, In this interview Armand Assante mentions Brando at least twice, as a great actor himself he knows what Brando had and i'm sure tried to emulate it in ways in his performances, Anthony Quinn played Stanley Kowalski on the stage after Brando but also worked with Brando in the movie Viva Zapata! Michaels two best interviews - Armand Assante and Chazz Palminteri are so well spoken and great actors, and have the intelligence to talk about many things, watching this interview I got the sense that what most of what Armand was saying was over Michael's head (as well as the rest of us) Michael is a mob guy who likes movies and mob movies and most of us are film buffs and mafia film buffs but Armand was speaking I think in what is mostly technical things actors would know about in perfecting their craft, like I said over most of our heads, but it shows how good of an actor and dedicated Armand Assante really is.

I'm just blown away. Armand Assante is a genius, a brilliant actor and a refined personality. He comes across as a genuinely humble, approachable and unpretentious man. His portrayal of Gotti was powerful and unforgettable. Thank you, Michael for this great interview.

Gotti ( 1995 ) was by far the best mob movie ever. Great video as always.

Damn he draws you in when he speaks. His storytelling skills are just as good as his acting. Salute to this man, Thank you Michael for this epic sit down. Loved him in Gotti and American Gangster.

Armand Assante was also good in the Jack the Ripper 2 part series (1988) starring Michael Caine definitely worth a watch probably the best on Jack the Ripper

I'm so glad Michael's getting all this material out so one day when he's not here people can continue learning from him. Lessons are immortalized 🙏

What a stunning, mutually respectful and intelligent conversation. This is a must-watch sitdown!

Met William Forsythe who played Sammy the Bull at a comic con and all I talked about was this movie. It was cool to hear the experience from his perspective. Great movie.

WOW !! Michael what an INCREDIBLE INTERVIEW!! What a gift Armand is to our City ! He’s AMAZING

I remember Assante playing Napoleon in a TV Series. Always very good. A brilliant interview indeed Mike, leaving the guest to express his ideas freely. Good work.

Aside from the mic position on Armand, this was a great sitdown. I've watched Gotti so many times. Brilliant movie with a brilliant actor playing the lead role.

Michael always seemed to be Armand Assante's biggest fanboy when mentioning that Gotti movie haha, knew he'd end up in a sit-down one day! Cheers

I rewatched the Gotti movie just 2 days ago and what a phenomenal performance it was, great movie, easily the best of all the Gotti's. God bless you Gents, thanks for this interview.

Terrific interview of Armand Assante and always authentic on and off screen. The one and only John Gotti character!

I know Michael has been waiting a long time for this one!

Cool sitdown. His cadence of his speech reminds me of Christopher Walken a little bit.

You could turn off the volume in Gotti and I could almost word for word do the lines. I absolutely love the movie! Armand Asante has the ability to literally pull you into the movie! What a truly gifted actor! Thanks for another fantastic sit down, Michael!😉👍