Barry Levinson reunites with De Niro for new film

Director Barry Levinson has released a new film called "The Alto Knights," marking his fifth collaboration with actor Robert De Niro. The movie features De Niro in dual roles as infamous mobsters Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Levinson, known for hits like "Rain Man," expressed surprise at the current political climate, mentioning a trade war with Canada. He reminisced about his experiences filming in Toronto and reflected on the significant changes in Hollywood since the early days. In discussing the film industry, Levinson noted that decisions are now made by committees rather than individuals. He pointed out that studios are more cautious now, making it impressive that "The Alto Knights" was produced by Warner Bros., especially with an older team behind it. The film portrays Costello's retirement from the Mafia amid tensions with Genovese, who sought to shift the organization toward drug trafficking. Levinson emphasized the unique approach of casting De Niro as both characters, which was suggested by producer Irwin Winkler. De Niro's performance required extensive makeup to transform him into both mobsters, which Levinson found exciting. He praised De Niro's instincts and their ability to communicate effectively with minimal dialogue during filming. Levinson is drawn to storytelling and character development, highlighting the importance of capturing an audience's interest. He is inspired by the historical setting of the late '50s and the story of Costello's unusual decision to retire from a life of crime. Despite his age, Levinson remains passionate about filmmaking and continuously seeks new projects that excite him. He approaches his work as a creative pursuit rather than just a profession.