Anti-Trump De Niro: Box Office Poison

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Robert De Niro used to avoid interviews at all costs.

Twenty years back, I had the chance to cross paths with this cinematic maestro, yet our interaction was more of a polite dance around my questions rather than an in-depth conversation. This wasn’t just a single occasion; it seemed to be his way of engaging with curious film enthusiasts like myself.

In 2006, a whole article in GQ magazine was dedicated to the Oscar-winning individual’s hesitancy towards engaging with the media.

Ever since his debut in the 1970s as an exceptional, passionate, and awe-inspiring actor on screen, Robert De Niro has seldom welcomed interviews. When he does agree, it usually leads to complications. Articles about him often turn into narratives of the interview’s breakdown, and the interviewer’s subsequent feelings – ranging from anger, frustration, submission, or bewilderment.

Currently, De Niro is frequently spotted across various media platforms, often using his appearances as an opportunity to voice his criticisms of President Donald Trump.

For the two-time Academy Award recipient, something unexpected occurred during his career journey. The revenue from his films has significantly declined.

It’s anticipated that the star’s newest movie, titled “The Alto Knights,” will disappoint at the box office this weekend, earning between $2 and $3 million across 2,800 screens. This is significantly less than the film’s production cost of $45 million.

It’s disastrous, and there’s no one to blame but De Niro.

Twice.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how Robert De Niro slips effortlessly into the dual pivotal roles of Frank Costello and Vito Genovese in this classic gangster flick. There’s no doubt that De Niro is synonymous with the genre, yet it seems the predictions for Barry Levinson’s masterpiece are grim.

It’s hardly the only De Niro bomb in recent years. Consider:

  • “About My Father” (2023) – $12 million US
  • “Amsterdam” (2022) – $14.9 million US
  • “The Comeback Trail” (2020) – No US release
  • “The War with Grandpa” (2020) – $21 million US

In 2019, his most significant success was “Joker,” earning $335 million in revenues. He played a classic talk show host, who had a fateful encounter with the central character. Joaquin Phoenix’s acclaimed performance earned him an Oscar, and the movie was released at the zenith of the commercial market for superhero films.

Even giants like major stars sometimes experience failures, but De Niro’s stubborn political activism has caused him to lose the support of a significant portion of the nation.

The star’s enduring fame is undiminished following several decades of iconic cinematic roles. No one can ever diminish or remove his legendary status.

  • “Goodfellas”
  • “Taxi Driver”
  • “Casino”
  • “Heat”
  • “Mean Streets”
  • “Raging Bull”
  • “The Godfather Part II”

In simpler terms, his frequent criticism of Trump, which occurred when the nation was rallying behind the unconventional president in November, appears to be damaging his movie popularity now.

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2025-03-19 21:03