Robert De Niro stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film, The Alto Knights, on March 15, 2025, at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City. The event not only celebrated De Niro’s dual role as 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello but also highlighted the unique inclusion of his beloved pet dogs, who had auditioned for their roles.
The 81-year-old actor was accompanied by his girlfriend Tiffany Chen, 46, and their dogs, who were prominently featured, charming fans and photographers alike. Dressed sharply in a black suit topped off with orange-tinted sunglasses, De Niro looked as dapper as ever, making quite the statement as he posed alongside his furry co-stars.
The Alto Knights, directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, tells the story of two childhood friends turned mobsters, woven through themes of friendship and betrayal. The film sheds light on the darker aspects of organized crime, showcasing both mob life’s allure and inevitable downfall. De Niro’s performance as both Frank Costello, the suave mobster wanting out, and the brutish Vito Genovese captures the complexity of their intertwined fates and friendship.
Joining De Niro at the premiere were co-stars Debra Messing, who plays Costello's resilient wife Bobbie, along with Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli. The ensemble cast brings to life the tension and drama of the mob world, with Messing’s performance described as graceful and gritty.
At the event, De Niro shared insights on how his dogs joined the film. "It was in the script so, my girlfriend, we have a lot of dogs, so she said, 'Maybe you could put these dogs in or one of them?'" De Niro recounted. Following some discussions with Levinson, the dogs were cast after what the actor humorously described as auditions. The incorporation of their pets provided both lighthearted moments and depth to the story, reflecting the real-life bond between De Niro and his animals.
After releasing his dogs’ fate within the film, De Niro revealed his unplanned return to the mob genre. Speaking about the script, he said, "When Irwin Winkler sent me the script, I said 'let me reconsider.'" Winkler, also at the premiere, emphasized the role De Niro plays, noting, "We didn’t do it with any visual effects. It was all really makeup and just him", illustrating the extent of his transformation.
The film is not just another mob tale; it delves deep, exploring the psychological terrain of two men caught between friendships and their violent professional reality. Set against the backdrop of the infamous 1957 Appalachin Meeting—a real-life mob summit—The Alto Knights draws parallels with classic mob dramas like Goodfellas, without losing its unique approach to the storytelling. The dynamic between De Niro’s dual characters allows viewers to experience two sides of the same coin, adversaries bound by their tumultuous history.
The film's storyline begins with Costello’s near-death experience during a shooting, leading his wife to plead for him to leave the criminal underworld behind. Yet the bond between Costello and Genovese proves hard to sever completely. Both characters are painted vividly with De Niro’s masterful portrayal bringing their complicated relationship to life.
Reflecting on this character depth, Winkler expressed confidence, stating, "Even after seeing the film so many times, I see two different characters. I don’t see one man playing them.” De Niro’s layered performance is complemented by Levinson’s approach, fostering warmth and camaraderie among characters often marked by violence.
Set to release theatrically on March 21, 2025, The Alto Knights is primed to attract audiences with its unique blend of narrative and character depth. De Niro’s compelling portrayal may resonate with both fans of the actor and those who appreciate complex storytelling entwined with historical references.
For those familiar with the genre, Levinson and Pileggi's film reinvigorates mob culture on screen, moving beyond mere violence to explore human relationships marred by adversity and power struggles. Their work compels viewers to see the personal gambles behind the mobster facade—what weighs more, loyalty or survival?
Ahead of its official release, The Alto Knights stands out for its promise of character exploration and relationship dynamics wrapped within the stylized world of organized crime. With De Niro at the helm, audiences prepare for yet another cinematic experience steeped in authenticity and engaging performances.