From the makers of Goodfellas, The Irishman, and Bugsy comes The Alto Knights, a biographical crime drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi. It is based on the true story of real-life mob bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese and what led to the downfall of the Italian-American Mafia. The Alto Knights is now showing in cinemas worldwide and stars Robert De Niro in dual roles, Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli.

Frank Costello and Vito Genovese were once childhood friends before becoming bosses of rival crime syndicates. Both are originally from Italy, but they’ve built their reputations in New York and have been in a power struggle. After Vito orders a hit on Frank, a hitman is sent to shoot him, and even though Frank took a bullet to the head, he somehow survives. While in hospital, he promises his wife, Bobbi, that he is done and will quit the Mafia life for good, but before he does, he has some unfinished business.

Robert De Niro pulls double duty, starring as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. As Frank, he portrays a man who has been through so much and is ready to leave the Mafia life for good and be with his wife, but leaving it all behind is easier said than done. As Vito, he portrays a more money- and power-hungry man willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants with little to no remorse.

Despite having similar paths in life and being portrayed by the same actor, Frank and Vito are completely different people, best described as two sides of the same coin. Robert does an amazing job of bringing two different characters with distinct personalities to life.

Frank is more classy and composed and cares about others, while Vito is more arrogant and loud and doesn’t care who he hurts. Robert showcases his diverse acting range as everything from their personalities, mannerisms, appearances, and voices are done so well that it’s easy to forget you’re seeing the same actor.

In addition to Robert De Niro’s acting ability to portray two distinctly different people, he also looks different as both characters, thanks to the makeup team, who did a fantastic job of making the actor look like two different people. Both characters’ physical appearances in the film also resemble the people they’re based on. Robert’s Italian-American background also adds to the authenticity of both characters.

The film features a fantastic supporting cast too. Debra Messing portrays Bobbie Costello, the wife of Frank, who has been by his side through thick and thin and is trying to get him out of the Mafia life so they can have a normal married life together. Anna Genovese, Vito’s wife, is played by Kathrine Narducci.

Vincent Gigante, a rising member of Vito’s family, is played by Cosmo Jarvis and Michael Rispoli stars as Albert Anastasia, boss of the Anastasia family and close ally of Frank. These characters are also based on the people involved in the Costello and Genovese war.

Fans of other great Mafia films like The Godfather or television series like The Sopranos will find a lot to enjoy in The Alto Knights. Robert, as Frank, also narrates a lot of the movie, like a classic noir film, which adds more lore to the story.

The story can sometimes feel a little complicated as if it’s trying to cram so much of the story into a two-hour film. Then again, this could also work in its favour and encourage audiences, especially fans of crime and Mafia stories, to watch the movie again to get a better understanding and see what they missed the first time.

The film provides a deep insight into the Mafia life and how it affects the people within crime families and those around them. It’s interesting and insightful to see how big of an impact Mafia families can have on a city and what led to the downfall of the Mafia during this era. Frank Costello and Vito Genovese are two of the biggest crime bosses in American history and have been portrayed on film many times, but both are truly something to behold.

The story takes place in New York during the 1950s, specifically in locations where the Mafia operated. The movie does an excellent job of bringing audiences into that time period with its set pieces, fashion, cars, technology, and more. Filming also took place in many locations where both crime families frequented and had a history, adding even more to the film’s authenticity. The soundtrack features a variety of jazz tunes, fitting for a Mafia film.

The Mafia has a long history in not just America, but also films. Robert De Niro’s dual and distinct performances as two real-life mob bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, needs to be seen to be believed. Bringing their actual stories to life will no doubt appeal to any fan of crime and Mafia movies. Even if the story can be complicated for some, it still provides much insight into how brutal and unforgiving the Mafia life is. The Alto Knights is a must-watch.

Written by: Sammy Hanson