De Niro’s portrayal of mob leaders in iconic films such as The Godfather Part II and The Irishman has cemented his legacy in this genre. His latest venture, The Alto Knights, directed by the acclaimed Barry Levinson, promises to deliver another gripping narrative.
Plot Overview
Initially titled The Wise Guys, the film delves into the riveting true story of Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, both portrayed by De Niro. These two infamous American mafia figures clash in a dramatic power struggle that spirals into chaos. Genovese’s attempt to eliminate Costello leads to catastrophic outcomes, a story penned by Nicholas Pileggi, renowned for Goodfellas.
Cast and Team
Levinson, known for directing classics like Rain Man and Good Morning, Vietnam, brings his seasoned expertise to this project.Alongside de Niro, the film features Debra Messing, cosmo Jarvis, and Kathrine Narducci, among others, ensuring a compelling ensemble.
The Alto Knights is slated for theatrical release on March 20.
Further Reading
Remembering another mafia icon
Following the passing of James Caan, Tony Sirico also leaves a void in the world of mafia portrayals…
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What drew you back to this genre with _The Alto Knights_?
Table of Contents
- 1. What drew you back to this genre with _The Alto Knights_?
- 2. Exclusive Interview with Robert de Niro: Exploring His Latest Mafia Masterpiece, The Alto Knights
- 3. On Returning to the Mafia Genre
- 4. On Playing Dual Roles
- 5. On Collaborating with Barry Levinson
- 6. On the Enduring Appeal of Mafia Stories
- 7. A Thought-Provoking Question for Readers
- 8. On the Future of the Genre
Exclusive Interview with Robert de Niro: Exploring His Latest Mafia Masterpiece, The Alto Knights
In a career spanning over five decades, Robert De Niro has become synonymous with iconic mafia portrayals. From The Godfather Part II to The Irishman, his performances have left an indelible mark on cinema. Now, he returns to the genre with The Alto Knights, a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and chaos. We sat down with De Niro to discuss his latest project, his approach to playing dual roles, and the enduring appeal of mafia stories.
On Returning to the Mafia Genre
Q: You’ve played so many legendary mafia figures. What drew you back to this genre with The Alto Knights?
De Niro: It’s always about the story.When I read nicholas Pileggi’s script, I was captivated by the complexity of Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. These were real men with real ambitions, and their clash was both personal and political. It’s not just about the violence; it’s about the psychology behind their decisions. That’s what makes it compelling.
On Playing Dual Roles
Q: You’re portraying both Genovese and Costello. How do you approach playing two distinct characters in the same film?
De Niro: It’s a challenge, but it’s also exciting. Each character has his own motivations, his own way of speaking, his own body language. I worked closely with Barry Levinson to ensure they felt like two fully different people. it’s not just about changing costumes; it’s about embodying two separate mindsets.
On Collaborating with Barry Levinson
Q: Barry Levinson is known for his versatility, from Rain Man to Good Morning, vietnam. What was it like working with him on this project?
De Niro: Barry is a master storyteller. He has this incredible ability to balance drama with humor, even in the darkest moments. He brought a fresh perspective to the mafia genre, which can sometimes feel familiar. His vision for The Alto Knights is both epic and intimate, and I think audiences will be surprised by how layered it is.
On the Enduring Appeal of Mafia Stories
Q: Why do you think audiences are so fascinated by mafia stories, even after all these years?
De Niro: I think it’s as these stories are about more than just crime. They’re about family, loyalty, and power—themes that resonate with everyone. There’s also a certain romanticism to these characters, even though they’re flawed and frequently enough destructive. People are drawn to that complexity.
A Thought-Provoking Question for Readers
Q: If you could step into the shoes of any ancient figure, real or fictional, who would it be and why? Let us no in the comments!
De Niro: That’s a great question. For me, it’s always been about understanding people who are different from myself. That’s what acting is all about—exploring the human condition. I’d love to hear who our readers would choose and why.
On the Future of the Genre
Q: With the passing of legends like James Caan and Tony Sirico, do you think the mafia genre will continue to evolve?
De Niro: Absolutely. The genre has always adapted to reflect the times.What’s important is that the stories remain authentic and grounded. As long as there are filmmakers and actors who are passionate about telling these stories,the genre will thrive.
The Alto Knights hits theaters on March 20. Don’t miss this latest chapter in Robert De Niro’s storied career.
