Alto Knights is an upcoming crime drama about the rivalry between mobsters Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, the film stars Robert De Niro in dual roles.
Scheduled for release on March 21, 2025, it focuses on their 1957 feud for control of New York’s Mafia. Filmed in Cincinnati, Ohio, the movie promises intense performances and historical accuracy about the mob world.
About Alto Knights
Photo Credit: Netflix
Alto Knights, initially titled Wise Guys, tells the story of the rivalry between two Italian American mob bosses, Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Genovese attempted to assassinate Costello in 1957, leading to a major shift in Mafia power.
Costello retired after the failed assassination, giving Genovese control over New York’s criminal underworld. The film, produced by Warner Bros and Winkler Films, focuses on this intense feud and power struggle.
Key Plot Points
- Two separate crime families are at the center of the story.
- The assassination attempt on Costello is a major event in the film.
- Costello retired after surviving the attempt on his life.
What to Look Forward To
- Directed by Barry Levinson (Rain Man), the film delves into the dynamics of the Italian American Mafia.
- The movie explores the relationship between Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, two of New York’s most infamous mobsters.
About the Cast
Photo Credit: Netflix
The star-studded cast of Alto Knights brings the story to life, with Robert De Niro playing both Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The cast is packed with talent that ensures the historical accuracy and emotional depth of this Mafia drama.
Main Cast
- Robert De Niro plays a dual role as Vito Genovese and Frank Costello.
- Cosmo Jarvis as Vincent Gigante
- Kathrine Narducci as Anna Genovese
- Louis Mustillo as Joe Bonanno
- Debra Messing (rumored role)
Supporting Cast
- Wallace Langham in an undisclosed role
- Matt Servitto as George Wolf
- Belmont Cameli as Frankie Boy
- Al Pacino is rumored to have a cameo appearance.
Why Is It Called Alto Knights?
Photo Credit: Netflix
The movie title refers to Mafia social clubs in New York, where mobsters like Genovese and Costello often gathered. Alto Knights highlights the tension between these two leaders and the cultural significance of these meeting places for Italian Americans in the Mafia world.
Significance of the Title
- The title reflects the social clubs used by mobsters, including the infamous Genovese and Costello.
- These clubs, such as the one in Las Vegas, were hubs for Mafia business.
Further Explanation
- The movie showcases the end of Costello’s reign and the rise of Genovese’s power.
- Alto Knights is part of a long tradition of Mafia movies, similar to Goodfellas.
Where Was Alto Knights Filmed?
Photo Credit: Netflix
Alto Knights was filmed primarily in Cincinnati, Ohio, chosen for its ability to resemble 1950s New York. The production team, led by Warner Bros, focused on capturing the essence of mob life and significant real-world events depicted in the movie. The film required detailed attention to the era’s ambiance, making Ohio a practical stand-in.
Filming Locations
- Cincinnati was selected for its resemblance to 1950s New York.
- Filming began in January, with final scenes shot in the coming months.
- The production team recreated authentic mob locations like social clubs.
Filming Challenges
- Recreating the era required extensive set designs.
- Shot sequences involving the attempted assassination of Costello needed careful planning.
What Is the New Vito Genovese Movie?
The premise of Alto Knights centers around the real-life feud between Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Written by Nicholas Pileggi, who also worked on Casino and Goodfellas with Scorsese, the screenplay draws from Mafia history. This movie pays respect to the complex lives of these mobsters while exploring their quest for power.
Film’s Premise
- The movie is based on true events from Mafia history.
- Characters like Genovese and Costello are portrayed with historical accuracy.
- The screenplay follows the structure of classic Mafia films, similar to The Godfather.
Influence of Mafia Movies
- Pileggi’s previous works like Wiseguy and Casino inspired this film.
- The actors have been praised for capturing the essence of these mob figures.
Is Robert De Niro Making a New Movie?
Yes, Robert De Niro stars in Alto Knights, where he plays a dual role as both Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. De Niro’s portrayal of these mob bosses highlights his versatility. This role continues his legacy of memorable Mafia characters, such as those from The Godfather and Casino.
De Niro’s Role
- De Niro plays two contrasting mob bosses, Genovese and Costello.
- The film showcases his mastery of character transformation, with both characters showing different sides of Mafia life.
Supporting Cast and Production
- The cast includes strong supporting actors like Cosmo Jarvis and Debra Messing.
- The production team, led by Warner Bros, aimed to deliver an engaging Mafia drama.
Final Thoughts
Alto Knights promises to be an exciting addition to the Mafia movie genre. With its compelling plot centered around Vito Genovese’s assassination attempt on Frank Costello, the film captures the intense power struggles within two separate crime families.
Directed by Barry Levinson, the movie stars Robert De Niro in a dual role, portraying both Genovese and Costello. The film’s production in Cincinnati effectively recreates 1950s New York, and Nicholas Pileggi’s screenplay ensures historical accuracy.
Summary of Key Points
- Premise: Genovese’s attempt to kill Costello and take control of the Mafia.
- Cast: De Niro, Cosmo Jarvis, and Debra Messing lead the film.
- Production: Filmed in Cincinnati, depicting 1950s New York life.
Alto Knights is set for release on March 21, 2025. Stay tuned for updates and don’t miss this thrilling Mafia movie that fans of Goodfellas and Casino are sure to enjoy.
FAQs
What is Alto Knights about?
The movie follows the rivalry between Mafia bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello.
Who stars in Alto Knights?
Robert De Niro plays both lead roles, with support from Cosmo Jarvis and Debra Messing.
When is Alto Knights releasing?
The movie is set for release on March 21, 2025.
Where was Alto Knights filmed?
The movie was filmed primarily in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Who directed Alto Knights?
The movie was directed by Barry Levinson, known for his Academy Award-winning film Rain Man.