In the much-anticipated film "The Alto Knights," Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro takes on a double role that adds an intriguing twist to his career. At 81, the legendary performer portrays two iconic mob bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, whose intertwined lives led to some of the most significant shifts in organized crime during the mid-20th century.
Set for release in theaters on Friday, March 21, 2025, the film is directed by the renowned Barry Levinson, known for his ability to elicit powerful performances from some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Levinson, who has collaborated extensively with De Niro since their first partnership in the 1996 film "Sleepers," emphasizes that the film's concept was brought to life by producer Irwin Winkler. Initially, De Niro was only to portray Costello, who helmed the Luciano crime family from 1937 to 1957, but Winkler's idea for De Niro to take on both characters transformed the project into a unique cinematic experience.
In an interview with "Late Night with Seth Meyers," De Niro reflected on the unconventional endeavor of acting opposite himself. He found the experience rewarding, stating, "I thought it worked OK," indicating a sense of satisfaction with the final product.
The film intricately examines the evolution of the friendship between Frank and Vito, who were once childhood pals, only to become rivals. As these two figures navigate the treacherous waters of organized crime, their conflicting ambitions propel them into a deadly rivalry that reshapes the Mafia and its operations across America.
Levinson highlighted that De Niro's preparation for these dual roles involved adopting distinctive speech patterns and physical mannerisms. For Vito, he used a higher pitch and spoke more aggressively, enhancing his character’s fearsome reputation while employing prosthetic makeup to convincingly transform his appearance. Levinson remarked, "We spent a week working on the two characters' faces," illustrating the commitment to authenticity in portraying mob figures.
The challenge of filming scenes between the two characters required meticulous planning. Levinson and De Niro orchestrated interactions without the use of gimmicks to maintain a sense of realism. In these critical scenes, Joe Bacino stood in for whichever character De Niro was not embodying, allowing for fluid dialogue and spontaneous reactions. De Niro noted, "It worked OK," showcasing his adaptability and willingness to innovate in his performances.
Moreover, Levinson expressed admiration for De Niro's unyielding work ethic and dedication. He stated, "He does not just let up and go through the motions," underscoring the actor's relentless pursuit of excellence. As these two film icons explore the nuanced dynamics between Costello and Genovese, their commitment to refining each scene was profound, delving into the distinct rhythms of both characters.
As audiences anticipate the film's release, Levinson reflected on the overall impact they hope to achieve: delivering heartfelt performances that resonate with viewers. "There are many pieces of real information," he explained about the historical context within the film. Such attention to detail was crucial for constructing the emotional backbone of the story.
Both De Niro and Levinson understand that the film is not merely a documentary but a cinematic interpretation of significant historical events. The challenges with balancing creative storytelling and factual accuracy contribute to the film’s narrative depth. Levinson noted, "How do we want to frame that?" reiterating the need for dramatic narrative while remaining rooted in reality.
As "The Alto Knights" makes its way to theaters, the collaboration between De Niro and Levinson is set to entertain and captivate audiences, promising a compelling look at the intricacies of friendship, betrayal, and the quest for power within the organized crime world.
With a release imminent just days away, fans are eager to see how this ambitious film unfolds, merging De Niro’s unique talents with Levinson’s directorial prowess into what many hope will be another landmark entry in the crime drama genre.
