Paul Vitti (ROBERT DE NIRO) is one of New York’s most powerful gangsters. He’s grown up in the Mob life and has been well prepared for his future responsibilities by Manetta, his mentor and surrogate father (since his own father was gunned down years before). But when it becomes time for Paul Vitti to assume his role as the leader of his crime family, he suddenly starts having trouble breathing. He can’t sleep; he’s distant and preoccupied around his wife and kids; his mistress wants to know why his interest in romance has flagged; and his loyal henchmen wonder at his suddenly anxious demeanor.