Robert De Niro delivers a magnificent performance in Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights. The familiar theme of childhood friends who drift apart, yet whose fates are forever intertwined in vicious rivalry, is given a lively twist, with De Niro in a dual role, portraying both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, New York crime bosses. The film has the look and feel of a documentary, interspersed with interview-like segments of the elderly Costello narrating events, augmented by black and white photos and reels illustrating the more distant past with an archival look. Opening with a striking scene, the vivid characters and intrigue are even more fascinating when one considers that these characters and narrative are based on real people and true events.
Born in Italy, both Costello and Genovese moved to New York with their families. Growing up in the same neighborhood, they became friends, and both became involved with gangs. The film opens in 1957 with a dramatic scene, then continues with the elderly Costello’s narration, talking about their shared youth and their diverging paths. Costello was involved in petty crime as a young man, in and out of jail several times, and eventually serving 10 months for carrying a concealed weapon. Yet after that experience, he chose a relatively more serene path to financial success, relying on wits rather than fists. He credits his wife Bobbie (Debra Messing) and their solid marriage with creating the change in his life. Costello confides in Bobbie, and she supports him all the way.
Vito’s trajectory was dramatically different. He fled to Italy in 1937 to escape homicide charges and ended up stuck there due to the war. Genovese’s absence led to Costello’s rise to crime boss, and this provided the fuel for their rivalry. Genovese eventually returned to the United States, eager to claim what he felt was his rightful place, by any means necessary. He too fell in love, with Anna (Kathrine Narducci), a nightclub owner whose temperament matched his own.
Volatile and hot-tempered, Genovese responds to problems with immediate, usually violent action, his method for making problems disappear permanently. Costello is no less fiery, but is crafty, playing the long game and ensuring his own survival. De Niro, in excellent makeup that entirely alters his appearance, imbues each of these characters with vivid life as the intrigue builds to a surprising and humorous climax.
The Alto Knights
Director: Barry Levinson; Screenplay: Nicholas Pileggi; Cinematography: Dante Spinotti; Editor: Douglas Crise; Music: David Fleming; Cast: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, Michael Adler, Ed Amatrudo, Joe Bacino, Anthony J. Gallo, Wallace Langham, Louis Mustillo, Frank Piccirillo, Matt Servitto, Robert Uricola.
