Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights brings a richly detailed, decades-spanning mafia story to life, featuring Robert De Niro in a dual role as underworld figures Frank Costello and Vito Genovese.
Written by Goodfellas screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, the film explores the complex rivalry between the two crime bosses and the real-life events that forced the U.S. government to acknowledge the mafia’s existence.
The story opens in 1959 with a botched assassination attempt on Costello in his New York apartment. Instead of retaliating with immediate violence, Costello opts for a slow-burning revenge, setting off a power struggle that exposes the inner workings of organized crime.
Pileggi’s script delves into the Prohibition-era rise of these mobsters, showcasing their ascent from small-time criminals to high-ranking members of the Commission. The film’s timeline can be intricate, but De Niro delivers two distinct performances, aided by impressive makeup and practical effects.
Visually, Levinson’s direction is sharp, with cinematographer Dante Spinotti capturing both the brutal and more mundane aspects of mafia life. The film leans less on the glamour of crime and more on the aging mobsters’ realities, giving The Alto Knights a unique tone within the gangster genre.
With a gripping narrative, strong performances, and authentic period detail, The Alto Knights stands as a compelling addition to classic mafia films, reinforcing De Niro’s status as a cinematic legend.
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