Genre: Crime | Drama | Historical
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Starring: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, Cosmo Jarvis
Written by: Nicholas Pileggi
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Alto Knights (formerly titled Wise Guys) brings back the golden era of mafia cinema with a sharp twist: Robert De Niro plays not one, but two rival gangsters. Directed by Oscar-winner Barry Levinson and written by Goodfellas screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, the film is a stylish, character-driven drama rooted in the volatile underworld of 1950s organized crime.
Set in mid-century America during the heyday of the Italian-American mob, The Alto Knights chronicles the real-life conflict between two notorious gangsters: Vito Genovese and Frank Costello—both portrayed by De Niro. Genovese, power-hungry and ruthless, seeks to consolidate control over the Mafia by eliminating Costello, his former mentor and the so-called “Prime Minister of the Mob,” who favored diplomacy over bloodshed.
As tensions rise, alliances crumble, and loyalty is tested, the film explores the clash between old-school honor and the brutal ambition of a new generation of criminals.
Robert De Niro is the magnetic center of the film, delivering a tour de force performance as both Genovese and Costello. He transforms completely between the two roles—one cold and calculating, the other refined and world-weary. It’s a testament to his acting legacy and proves he’s still capable of commanding the screen with subtlety and gravitas.
Debra Messing impresses as Costello’s strong-willed wife, bringing emotional depth to a genre often short on female perspective. Kathrine Narducci and Cosmo Jarvis round out a solid ensemble with sharp performances that add texture and grit to the narrative.
Director Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Bugsy) brings a nostalgic yet mature tone to the film. The production design beautifully recreates 1950s New York with smoky nightclubs, sleek suits, and classic Cadillacs, while the pacing favors character and dialogue over action. Levinson’s steady hand guides the viewer through a slow burn of betrayal, power plays, and personal tragedy.
The Alto Knights is less about mob violence and more about the psychology of power, the decay of loyalty, and the inevitable downfall of men who chase immortality through fear. Nicholas Pileggi’s script weaves historical detail with intimate character moments, echoing the reflective tone of The Irishman while avoiding its extended runtime.
-
Dual performance from De Niro that’s both ambitious and masterful
-
Authentic period atmosphere and elegant production design
-
Tight, character-focused script from a legendary crime writer
-
Strong supporting cast with nuanced emotional beats
-
A thoughtful, layered approach to mafia storytelling
-
May feel too slow for viewers expecting action-heavy mob fare
-
Dual roles can occasionally distract from emotional cohesion
-
Some historical moments are compressed or fictionalized
-
Lacks the explosive energy of earlier gangster classics like Casino or Goodfellas
The Alto Knights is a thoughtful, restrained, and well-acted return to mafia cinema, led by a powerhouse double performance from Robert De Niro. Rather than glamorizing violence, the film takes a more introspective route—exploring the egos, regrets, and rivalries that shaped a bloody chapter in American underworld history.
