Robert De Niro, a titan of the drama genre, has truly proven his mettle in the realm of gangster films. However, his latest venture, The Alto Knights, has caught audiences by surpriseâ€â€not as a box office triumph, but as a phenomenon on streaming platforms. De Niro’s journey in Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable; since he first graced the screen in 1968 with a small role in the comedy Greetings, he forged his path through an impressive string of heavyweight roles. Iconic performances in The Godfather Part II (1974) and Taxi Driver (1975) solidified his status, while movies like The Deer Hunter (1978) showcased his profound ability to embody complex characters.
Over his illustrious career, De Niro has accumulated two Oscars, one for his unforgettable portrayal in The Godfather Part II and the other for Raging Bull (1981). Though he has dipped his toes into comedic waters with films such as The King of Comedy (1984), his heart remains tethered to the gritty terrain of gangster films. Yet, even the seasoned actor faced the disappointment of The Alto Knights, which turned out to be a box office failure, grossing a mere $9.6 million against a staggering production budget of around $50 million.
The Alto Knights: A Streaming Revival
Its Unforeseen Popularity on HBO Max
Despite its initial box office disaster, The Alto Knights is seizing a second chance for redemption on HBO Max. Featuring De Niro as the notorious Vito Genovese alongside Frank Costello, the film explores their tumultuous battle for dominance in the criminal underworld of 1950s New York City. Based on real events, it chronicles the fierce rivalry endured by these crime bosses as they navigated conflicts with rival factions and the law. In a twist of fate, the very project that flopped in theaters is now soaring on streaming platforms. As reported by FlixPatrol, it has become the most-watched movie on HBO and ranks as the second most streamed content overall, trailing only the Sex and the City spinoff, And Just Like That….
The Alto Knights is outperforming a slew of popular titles like How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), The Last of Us, and Rick and Morty, revealing a remarkable shift in audience behavior and film consumption patterns.
Shifting Paradigms in Hollywood’s Landscape
Theater Attendance Is No Longer Paramount
In the era preceding streaming domination, box office numbers were the foremost indicator of a film’s success. While future revenues from home video and merchandise could eventually validate a movie’s existence, the initial box office gross was critical for defining profitability. Today, however, platforms like HBO Max have drastically altered Hollywood’s traditional financial calculus. They have demonstrated that even a film with a meager $9 million box office receipt can find its footing and become a financial successâ€â€albeit in a different manner.
With audiences no longer feeling compelled to rush to theaters, they often opt for the convenience of watching films in the comfort of their homes. Unlike major blockbuster spectacles like Oppenheimer and Barbie, which created significant buzz through event-driven marketing strategies and shared release dates, The Alto Knights largely relied on De Niro’s star power. Streaming platforms do not rely on the same kind of draw; they provide a space where smaller films can thrive without the traditional fanfare.
The story of The Alto Knights serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of cinema. It highlights the undeniable influence of streaming services on the theatrical experience and raises questions about the future of filmmaking. As traditional models crumble, we are left to ponder what Hollywood will look like in this new age.