Robert de Niro presents his two roles in The Alto Knights, by Barry Levinson
These are “the two sides of the same room,” he explains about the protagonists of his new mafia film.
Robert de Niro launched a major challenge in The Alto Knightsthe new film of Barry Levinson. The specialist in mafia films (Casino,, Heat,, THE Freed,, Tea Irishman…) Do not play a main role, but two. In the streets of New York, he must put himself in the shoes of two American gangsters. The 81 -year -old actor delivered more details on the characteristics of these characters to Empire.
“” “The idea of playing two different characters intrigued me“, confides from Niro. This new thriller tells the true story of two New York mafia from the 20th century. Frank Costello and Vito Genovese are two former best friends who, victims of betrayals, are competing for control of the city. A confrontation that will lead to the fall of the American mafia. The actor of Driver taxi reveals that in reality, despite their common aspirations, the two men are very different.
Barry Levinson’s new film, written by the screenwriter of the freed, is revealed.
“” “They are like both sides of the same room. One is more rational, more diplomatic. He’s the character of Costello”, He said. “” “The character of Genovese is more erratic, more impulsive. ”
For the director of Rain manthe opposition of these two characters is interesting and participates in the dramatic vision of the film. The diversity of personalities makes the performance of Niro all the more interesting. “” “Children, they were very similar”Says the director. “”Two guys who were almost one, then suddenly, not only do they divide, but they finally become enemies“These roles were written by the screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi (The freed And Casino).
After having attributed the character of Frank Costello to de Niro, the American producer Irvin Winkler (Rocky,, The freed…) Did not know who to call on for Vito Genovese. “” “I thought about it for a few moments, and I did not find better than him. I said: ‘You know what, you should play both roles.’“”
A long -awaited performance that we will find on the big screen on March 19, 2025.
