In this gripping tale of underworld alliances and discord, Robert De Niro masterfully portrays the personas of mafia bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. De Niro’s compelling performance, alongside Debra Messing’s portrayal of Bobbie Costello, sets the tone for ‘The Alto Knights’, a compelling cinematic portrayal focused on the tumultuous world of organized crime. This film, directed by Barry Levinson, skillfully weaves numerous strands of biography, crime, drama, and history into its enduring narrative that lasts over two hours.
The narrative of ‘The Alto Knights’ is one that commands attention from its inception. This isn’t just because of the historical gravitas associated with the real-life figures it paints but also because of its dynamite screenplay. The narrative unfolds during a significant era, stretching from the mid-fifties to the dawn of the seventies—an era of pivotal movements within the Mafia.
At the heart of this tale is a stormy companionship between gangsters, a bond that escalates into lethal enmity. Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, paramount figures of organized crime in New York City, are deftly presented in this narrative. As the story unfolds, the audience learns that these notorious criminals fostered a deep connection within a social circle that operated out of the Alto Knights, a notable club situated in Little Italy.
Each character in this riveting tale brings their distinct style to the life of crime, making strides in different ways. While Genovese opts to manage his illicit affairs from a maze of crates in a secluded back room downtown, Costello forges a path of his own. Ascending to the ranks of the notorious, he carries the guise of a ‘professional gambler’, his notorious profile landing him on the cover of Time magazine.
Losing himself in the glamour and allure of his high-profile lifestyle, Costello fails to acknowledge the mounting tension between him and Genovese until it manifests in an assassination attempt. This deadly encounter, stemming from Genovese’s insinuation, is carried out by a trenchant foot soldier named Vincent Gigante, making for a dramatic twist in the already turbulent narrative.
What adds an extra layer of intrigue to this tale is the nod to real-life mobster Vincent Gigante, who earns the nickname ‘Chin’ in due course. Actor Cosmo Jarvis, who steps into Gigante’s shoes for this portrayal, crafts a compelling impression, making a conscious effort to emphasize the impending nickname through his performance.
Debra Messing brings Bobbie Costello to life in the movie, personifying a character that offers assurance and solace amidst a world of crime and chaos. Though her presence may seem to predominantly offer a reassuring smile, her character’s influence is deeply felt in the navigation of the wide-ranging dynamics at play in their tumultuous life.
This engaging piece of cinema is laden with familiar names that will resonate deeply with those acquainted with the fascinating world of the Cosa Nostra. One such notable figure is Albert Anastasia, whose influence within this world adds another interesting dimension to this layered narrative.
Moreover, ‘The Alto Knights’ also harks back to Apalachin, an idyllic upstate village. A rather unusual feature for a mob film, the inclusion of this quaint location ties into the overall narrative in an interesting way, enriching the storyline with a unique perspective on organized crime.
The movie dives deep into the heart of midcentury Mafia plays, shedding light on the intricacies of the life led by these infamous figures. From a comradery founded in crime to relationships borne out of necessity, ‘The Alto Knights’ paints a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations faced by the mobsters.
Beneath the larger-than-life portrayals and dramatic events, the film subtly explores the complexities of the characters, going beyond their criminal tag. By doing so, it crafts a multi-dimensional cinematic experience that blurs the lines between good and evil, questioning morality in a dark world.
An array of interwoven tales unfolds, full of power plays, secrecy, and schemes. It offers an uncensored look into the dynamics of power within the world of crime, examining the ways in which just a flicker of dissent can trigger a cascade of deadly events.
What sets ‘The Alto Knights’ apart from other mob movies is its focus on the Costello-Genovese friendship, brought to life by De Niro’s riveting performance. It paints a picture offriendships that even in the underworld, alliances can be fractious, susceptible to manipulations, misgivings, and abrupt and bloody conclusions.
In spite of the film’s dark premise, it manages to interlace moments of levity as well as personal connections that humanize the central figures, rounding out their roles beyond their criminal operates. It demonstrates a keen understanding of the fragility of relationships when trust is a scarce commodity.
Undeniably, ‘The Alto Knights’ carves out its distinct place within the genre, with a rich storyline and the adept hand of Barry Levinson at the helm. It’s not just the historical significance that makes it stand out; but also the detailed characterization and the distinct narrative threads that simultaneously unwind and tie together.
In summary, ‘The Alto Knights’, with a brilliant cast led by De Niro and Messing and complemented by an equally compelling narrative, is a film that skillfully balances history and fiction to create an engaging portrayal of one of the most tumultuous eras in organized crime.