Michael Franzese, Ex-Crime Family Boss, Rates Movie Mobster Scenes

Insider sat down with Michael Franzese, a former New York mobster and ex-caporegime of the Colombo crime family. After his release from prison in 1995 he became the only high ranking official of a major mafia family to ever walk away, without protective custodies, and survive. Michael is the author of “Blood Covenant” and “I’ll Make You An Offer You Can’t Refuse.” He now works as a public speaker and motivator.

The US mafia has featured in many classic movies from the 1920s onwards. We discuss the cultural significance and accuracy of famous crime scenes in movies and TV shows, such as “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos.” Michael also points out inaccuracies in scenes from mob comedies such as “Analyze This” and “The Simpsons.”

We also discuss true stories and real-life characters featured in “Goodfellas” and “Casino.” He talks about his proximity to the events of Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” the Oscar-nominated movie starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.