Robert De Niro Takes on Dual Roles in ‘The Alto Knights’

Acclaimed actor Robert De Niro is set to showcase his versatility in the upcoming film The Alto Knights, where he portrays two rival crime bosses, Frank and Vito. In a recent interview, De Niro discussed the complexities of executing dual roles, emphasizing the technical intricacies involved.

The Challenges of Playing Two Characters

De Niro revealed that playing both roles required meticulous positioning and careful coordination with camera movements on set. “It’s a technical thing where you have to be in a certain spot,” he explained, highlighting the challenges of sharing scenes with himself.

To effectively manage the rapid exchanges between his characters, he collaborated with another actor during filming. “When I would do Frank, he would do Vito. When I would do Vito, he would do Frank,” De Niro noted, underscoring the importance of having someone who comprehends the dynamics of the narrative.

Creative Decisions and Character Preparation

In crafting his performances, De Niro invested time in understanding the backgrounds of both characters. The film went through various casting phases, and although there was speculation about pairing him with fellow actor Al Pacino, De Niro expressed a desire for authenticity, stating, “I didn’t want it to be just a gimmick.” He ultimately found a unique appeal in taking on both roles himself.

His preparation techniques differ depending on the project. For a recent political series titled Zero Day, he relied heavily on existing footage of politicians, stating, “There’s so much out there about politicians…and how they react in uncomfortable situations.” This method has allowed him to infuse his performances with realism and depth.

Personal Connection to the Roles

De Niro, whose diverse heritage includes Italian, Irish, Dutch, French, and German roots, stated that he tends to identify more with Italian cultures when interpreting mob-related characters. This personal connection adds an additional layer of authenticity to his roles.

Memorable Elements in ‘The Alto Knights’

Among the film’s standout moments is a whimsical scene featuring dogs dressed in mink coats—an idea that De Niro himself conceived. “Frank walks in the park with the dog; why would the dogs not have some kind of mink coat, you know, protection?” he joked, demonstrating his playful approach to character development.

Film Release Information

The Alto Knights is set to be released next Friday, adding to De Niro’s storied filmography that includes iconic crime dramas such as The Irishman, The Godfather Part II, and Goodfellas.