zeit.de
De Niro's Dual Roles in "The Alto Knights": A Mafia Tale
Robert De Niro plays dual roles as mobsters Frank Costello and Vito Genovese in Barry Levinson's "The Alto Knights," a film contrasting their approaches to power amidst 1920s America's Prohibition era, culminating in a failed assassination attempt and Costello's attempted retirement.
- What are the central conflicts driving the narrative in "The Alto Knights", and how do they reflect broader themes of power and ambition?
- The Alto Knights" features Robert De Niro playing dual roles as mobsters Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, easily distinguishable by their distinct noses. The film uses black-and-white footage of 1920s America to contrast with the modern storyline.
- What does Robert De Niro's performance and the film's use of historical footage contribute to the overall thematic resonance of "The Alto Knights"?
- The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of violence within the Mafia. The aging De Niro's performance adds a layer of reflection on time and legacy, particularly Costello's attempt at a peaceful retirement, which is ultimately thwarted by Genovese's distrust.
- How do the contrasting personalities of Frank Costello and Vito Genovese shape the events of the film, and what role does their past relationship play in their conflict?
- The movie contrasts the different approaches of Costello, who is smart and careful, and Genovese, who is impatient and violent. Genovese's impulsive actions lead to his exile, which allows Costello to rise to power. Their contrasting styles and ultimate conflict are central to the narrative.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the film primarily through the lens of Robert De Niro's performance, emphasizing his age and longevity as a major selling point. This emphasis might overshadow other aspects of the film's artistic merit or narrative qualities. The opening sentence focusing on the actors' noses is an example of this prioritization.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and appreciative, although phrases like "Gott allein weiß" and "Irrenhaus" could be seen as subjective and informal, potentially straying from strict neutrality. The overall tone is overwhelmingly positive, bordering on celebratory.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on Robert De Niro's performance and the film's nostalgic visuals, potentially omitting critical analysis of the plot's structure, pacing, or other aspects of filmmaking. The historical context of the Prohibition era is mentioned but not deeply explored, which might leave some viewers wanting more information on the social and political backdrop of the story. There is no mention of the supporting cast or their contributions to the film.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat simplistic view of the relationship between Costello and Genovese, framing it primarily as a rivalry without exploring the complexities of their loyalty and betrayal. The choices they make are described as straightforward rather than considering the range of motivations and pressures that might have influenced their decisions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie depicts the rise of Mafia bosses, highlighting the vast wealth and power accumulated through criminal activities. This starkly contrasts with the SDG target of reducing inequalities in income and opportunities. The film showcases how criminal enterprises can exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a system where illicit wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority struggle. The historical context of Prohibition further emphasizes how such systems of inequality can arise and persist.