The Alto Knights: A Tale of Duality and Gangster Drama
Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights brings together an impressive team of cinematic legends, including Robert De Niro, who takes on the ambitious task of portraying two real-life mob bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. With a screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi, known for classics like Goodfellas and Casino, the film had all the ingredients for a masterpiece. However, while it delivers moments of brilliance, it struggles to rise above familiar tropes of the gangster genre.
The story revolves around the complex relationship between Costello and Genovese, once allies in New York’s criminal underworld, now rivals vying for power. De Niro’s dual performance is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. He seamlessly transitions between the calculated and composed Costello and the fiery, unpredictable Genovese. Yet, the novelty of seeing De Niro act opposite himself occasionally falters, as the script fails to fully distinguish the two characters in shared scenes.
Levinson’s direction is polished, with visually striking moments that evoke the golden age of mob dramas. The opening sequence, where Costello narrowly escapes an assassination attempt, sets the tone for the film’s exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. However, the narrative often feels predictable, relying on conventional storytelling rather than offering fresh insights into the gangster lifestyle.
The supporting cast, including Debra Messing as Costello’s wife Bobbie, delivers solid performances, though their characters lack depth and screen time. The film’s pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. Despite these shortcomings, The Alto Knights manages to capture the essence of a bygone era, reminding viewers of the allure and pitfalls of the mobster’s world.
Ultimately, The Alto Knights is a competent but safe addition to the gangster genre. While it may not reach the heights of Levinson’s previous works like Bugsy, it remains an engaging watch, carried by De Niro’s charisma and the film’s nostalgic charm.