Robert De Niro’s Dual Roles in ‘The Alto Knights’ Divides Critics

Barry Levinson's mob drama, releasing March 21, faces criticism for its gimmicky casting and lackluster execution despite De Niro's ambitious performances.

Robert De Niro portrays both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, real-life mob bosses whose rivalry anchors the film's narrative.
Critics have described the dual casting as a distracting gimmick that undermines the emotional weight of the story.
The film relies heavily on black-and-white still photo montages and narration, which some reviewers found detracted from the storytelling.
While De Niro’s performances were praised for their ambition, the film's pacing, lack of emotional depth, and uneven structure were widely criticized.
Barry Levinson’s direction and Nicholas Pileggi’s screenplay have been compared unfavorably to Martin Scorsese’s iconic mob dramas.