Barry Levinson’s Talent in Shaping Iconic Performances
Since directing the acclaimed Robert Redford in “The Natural,” Barry Levinson has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to elicit outstanding performances from legendary actors. He has collaborated with stars like Warren Beatty (“Bugsy”), Dustin Hoffman (“Rain Man,” “Sleepers,” “Wag the Dog”), Robin Williams (“Good Morning, Vietnam”), and Michael Douglas and Demi Moore (“Disclosure”), enabling them to showcase their strengths while expanding their character portrayals in memorable films.
A Special Collaboration with Robert De Niro
Among the talented actors Levinson has worked with, his partnership with Robert De Niro stands out. Their collaboration began with “Sleepers” in 1996, leading to the creation of unforgettable characters such as the spin doctor in “Wag the Dog,” the troubled producer in “What Just Happened?,” and Bernie Madoff in “The Wizard of Lies.” Their latest project, “The Alto Knights,” features De Niro in a dual role, showcasing two remarkable performances.
The Dual Role in “The Alto Knights”
In “The Alto Knights,” De Niro portrays both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two crime bosses whose friendship turned into rivalry, drastically influencing organized crime in the 1950s. Levinson attributes the idea to producer Irwin Winkler, emphasizing that casting De Niro in both roles feels like a natural fit for the narrative crafted by screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, known for his previous work in “GoodFellas.”
Intricate Character Crafting
Levinson found the concept of De Niro playing both characters fascinating and challenging, as the two characters originated as friends but evolved into differing personas—one more aggressive and the other more calculating. Levinson praised De Niro’s precision in distinguishing between the two through thoughtful performance choices and unique physical appearances.
Skillful Scene Planning
For the scenes featuring both Costello and Genovese together, Levinson meticulously planned his shots to ensure authenticity, treating the performances as if two separate actors were involved. Some of the film’s standout blocking techniques, such as a scene filmed in a candy store, showcase this careful choreography while remaining organic and engaging for the audience.
Flexible Creative Collaboration
Levinson emphasized their collaborative dynamic, stating that he and De Niro enter each scene with a mutual understanding to explore various creative avenues. This flexible approach allows them to uncover new ideas and narratives, enhancing the overall depth of the performance rather than sticking rigidly to initial concepts.
De Niro’s Dedication to Craft
Throughout their collaboration, Levinson has been continually impressed by De Niro’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite having received numerous accolades, De Niro remains committed to refining his craft, investing days into perfecting each scene and character interaction. Levinson notes that this hard work often results in performances that appear spontaneous and fresh, showcasing De Niro’s artistic prowess.
