De Niro Doubles Down: A Master Craftsman Takes on Two Mob Bosses in "The Alto Knights"

Robert De Niro, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence and unforgettable portrayals of complex characters, is set to grace the silver screen once more in "The Alto Knights." This time, however, the legendary actor is undertaking a challenge unlike any he’s faced before: embodying not one, but two iconic Mafia figures in a single film. De Niro, celebrated for his unforgettable mobster performances in films like "The Godfather Part II" and "Goodfellas," is diving deep into the true story of Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, childhood friends turned bitter rivals who shaped the landscape of organized crime in America.

"The Alto Knights," slated for release this Friday, promises a compelling narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and the slow unraveling of the Mafia’s iron grip on the nation. The film, directed by Barry Levinson, marks another collaboration between De Niro and the acclaimed filmmaker, a partnership that has previously yielded such gems as "The Wizard of Lies" and "Wag the Dog."

Initially cast as Frank Costello, De Niro’s involvement took an unexpected turn when producer Irwin Winkler proposed the audacious idea of him portraying both Costello and Genovese. De Niro, never one to shy away from a challenge, embraced the proposition, recognizing the unique opportunity to explore the nuances of these two contrasting personalities. "When Irwin suggested, ‘Why don’t you think about playing both parts,’ I said, ‘What does that mean, how do we do that? Give me a moment to think about it,’" De Niro recounts. "I didn’t really think I’d be doing another gangster movie, but doing both roles I thought would justify it even more."

The actor, now 81, immersed himself in the intricacies of each character, meticulously crafting distinct portrayals that capture the essence of Costello and Genovese. For Genovese, De Niro adopted a pinched accent and willingly spent hours in the makeup chair, transforming himself physically and vocally into the ruthless mobster.

The appeal of "The Alto Knights" lies not only in De Niro’s dual performance but also in the historical significance of the story. The film delves into the Cain and Abel dynamic between Costello and Genovese, tracing their relationship from their formative years as childhood friends to their eventual descent into lethal adversaries. Furthermore, the film sheds light on the decline of the Mafia’s national power, a process that began with Costello’s infamous testimony before a congressional hearing in 1951.

Adding to the film’s pedigree is the involvement of Nicholas Pileggi, the acclaimed author and screenwriter known for his expertise in the world of organized crime. Pileggi, who adapted his own books into the screenplays for "Goodfellas" and "Casino," both starring De Niro and directed by Martin Scorsese, brings a wealth of knowledge and authenticity to "The Alto Knights."

For scenes requiring De Niro to engage in dialogue with himself as both Costello and Genovese, the actor employed a clever technique. He enlisted the help of fellow actor Joe Bacino, who served as a stand-in, delivering lines as the opposite character. "I couldn’t do it with someone just reading lines to me," De Niro explains. "Joe seemed like a good guy to work with, so he learned the parts. He also knew that world, so even if we went off a bit (from the script), I knew it would be OK."

Director Barry Levinson lauded De Niro’s dedication to the project, highlighting the actor’s meticulous approach to character development. "Bob really responded to the challenge of playing both guys. He had to develop different rhythms," Levinson observes. "Vito is more aggressive, both as a character and in the way he talks. But though Bob is a great actor, he still really works on things. It was fascinating to see him craft the two roles."

De Niro, however, remains humble about the task, downplaying the perceived difficulty of portraying two distinct characters. "Yeah, sure, Vito has a more clipped way of talking, but I just tried to show how different these two guys became after their childhoods," he says. "I watched whatever films they were in, the real guys, which wasn’t much. So in the end, I just had to jump in."

The film also features Debra Messing, known for her comedic role in "Will & Grace," who portrays Costello’s wife, Bobbie. Messing admits to feeling intimidated by De Niro’s immersive acting style. "He’s the GOAT, so, yes, I was nervous," she confesses. "We did a table read with a few scenes, and I had worked on Bobbie’s accent and did all my good student acting work, but on the third line, Bob started improving. I froze. I thought, ‘Oh, my God, Robert De Niro is improvising with me, and I don’t know anything about this story, really.’"

Messing, however, quickly learned to appreciate De Niro’s process, recognizing the depth and complexity of his approach. "He would talk about things that seemed tangential, and then find his way back to the scene, but that’s just his process," she explains.

Messing also found a personal connection to her role, intrigued by the fact that Frank Costello was the only mob boss to marry a Jewish woman. "I just loved that this was a true story, and that Frank Costello was the only mob boss who married someone Jewish," she says. "That was intriguing to me. I did a lot of research on her and learned what a strong woman she was. She was not of her time. They were real partners and she had opinions that he respected."

Levinson praises Messing’s performance, noting her immediate understanding of the character. "I’d never seen her do anything dramatic before, but the actress had a sense of the character immediately," he says. "It was best to just leave her alone."

Ultimately, "The Alto Knights" promises to be a captivating cinematic experience, showcasing Robert De Niro’s unparalleled talent and his unwavering commitment to his craft. The film explores the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the world of organized crime, offering a glimpse into the lives of two men who shaped the course of Mafia history. As De Niro himself concludes, "What it comes down to I guess is these guys are two sides of the same coin."