Movies - Alto Knights: Barry Levinson and Robert De Niro Reunite for an Epic Crime Drama

By Mulder, 14 january 2025

The much-anticipated biographical crime drama The Alto Knights has revealed its gripping trailer, giving audiences a taste of the cinematic masterpiece directed by Academy Award-winner Barry Levinson. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, this film promises to take viewers deep into the tumultuous world of mid-20th century Mafia power struggles. Set for release on March 21, 2025, in the United States, The Alto Knights stars Robert De Niro in a dual role as infamous mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. De Niro’s performance is complemented by a stellar supporting cast, including Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli.

The film explores the volatile relationship between Genovese and Costello, culminating in an assassination attempt that leaves Costello wounded and eventually leads to his retirement from organized crime. Pileggi’s script dives into the dark corridors of Mafia history, shedding light on the intricacies of power, betrayal, and survival. Originally titled Wise Guys, the project was first conceptualized in the 1970s but faced decades of development limbo. Warner Bros. finally greenlit the film in 2022, with production commencing later that year. The creative team meticulously recreated 1950s aesthetics, using vinyl wraps on vintage cars to ensure an authentic period feel. Key filming locations included parts of Ohio, with major roadways in Greene County and Cincinnati suburbs transformed into mid-century urban landscapes.

The visual and narrative craftsmanship of The Alto Knights is further enhanced by a team of industry veterans. Dante Spinotti, an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer, lends his expertise to capture the film's gritty yet vibrant look. The production design by Neil Spisak and costumes by Jeffrey Kurland ensure every frame is a journey into the past, while Douglas Crise’s editing adds precision to the storytelling. The project’s evolution has been marked by strategic shifts in release dates, partly influenced by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Initially slated for February 2024, the film’s release was postponed to November 2024 before settling on its current date. This strategic timing aims to maximize audience anticipation and align with award season momentum.

The Alto Knights is not merely a crime drama but an exploration of brotherhood, morality, and the cost of ambition. With Barry Levinson at the helm and a script grounded in historical nuance, the film promises to deliver both edge-of-your-seat thrills and thought-provoking drama. Fans of Barry Levinson’s previous works like Rain Man and Dopesick can expect his signature blend of character-driven storytelling and immersive visuals. Likewise, Pileggi’s rich understanding of the Mafia, evident in Goodfellas, guarantees a narrative that is as compelling as it is authentic. The trailer’s release has already sparked conversations, with viewers praising its intense atmosphere and De Niro’s transformative performance. As March 2025 approaches, The Alto Knights stands poised to be a cinematic event that both crime drama aficionados and general audiences won’t want to miss.

Synopsis :
Vito Genovese and Frank Costello are two Italian-American crime bosses in the middle of the 20th century. In 1957, Genovese attempts to assassinate Costello, but fails. Costello, wounded by the attack, tries to retire from the Mafia.

Alto Knights
Directed by Barry Levinson
Written by Nicholas Pileggi
Produced by Irwin Winkler, Jason Sosonoff
Starring Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, Cosmo Jarvis
Cinematography : Dante Spinotti
Production company : Winkler Films
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date : March 19, 2025 (France), March 21, 2025 (United States)