If your'e looking for a factual depiction of the actual gangster, forget it. Anyone who reads the true accounts of Mr. Siegel's exploits will see little resemblance to the character portrayed by Beatty. Entertaining yes. Accurate no. Yes Beatty does engage in violent outbursts but his character evolves into a parody. Luciano's character is completely unbelievable when compared to the actual first true godfather. I doubt Siegal ever took such liberties with the man who is credited with organizing the mob. Benning is actually quite good but cuckolds Siegal completely. I don't know hat the real Ben Siegal was like but he certainly wasn't this Hollywood version of him. There is more comedy than drama in this film.
