Robert De Niro stars as two infamous gangsters, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, in Barry Levinson’s new film, The Alto Knights. However, the dual role feels like a gimmick that overshadows the otherwise sober-minded story.
The screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi tells a potentially fascinating tale of the fractious relationship between these two mobsters, but it’s presented in an uninteresting way. De Niro’s performances are commendable, but the overall effect is strained due to the constant switching between the two characters.
The film focuses on Costello’s struggles to balance his crime life with his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife Bobbie. Genovese’s volatile marriage to Anna is also explored. The story delves into various plot points, including the infamous Mafia summit meeting and Costello’s testimony before the Kefauver hearings.
Despite its detailed narrative, the film feels talky and lacks galvanizing energy, much like a television miniseries chopped up for theatrical consumption. The decision to have De Niro narrate parts of the story through his characters’ dialogue also contributes to the monotonous tone.
Ultimately, the most problematic element is the gimmicky nature of De Niro’s dual role. While he handles the assignment with skill, it saps the movie of its intended seriousness, leaving The Alto Knights as a footnote in Levinson’s and De Niro’s distinguished careers.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-alto-knights-review-robert-de-niro-barry-levinson-1236166679