Serpico (1973 film)

Serpico (1973 film) is a biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and produced by Dino De Laurentiis. The film is based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a New York City Police Department officer who testified against police corruption in the early 1970s, and his experiences are also documented in the book Serpico (book) by Peter Maas. The film stars Al Pacino as Serpico, alongside John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, and Biff McGuire, and features a score by Mikis Theodorakis. The film's success can be attributed to the collaboration of Paramount Pictures and De Laurentiis Entertainment Group.

Plot

The film follows the story of Frank Serpico, a young and idealistic New York City Police Department officer who becomes disillusioned with the corruption and brutality within the police force, similar to the experiences of Knapp Commission witnesses. As Serpico, played by Al Pacino, tries to make a difference, he faces resistance and hostility from his colleagues, including Tom Keough and Bob Blair, who are portrayed by Jack Kehoe and Tony Roberts. The film also explores Serpico's personal life, including his relationships with Laurie and Leslie Lane, played by Barbara Eda-Young and Cornelia Sharpe, and his struggles with the moral implications of his actions, which are reminiscent of the Watergate scandal and the Pentagon Papers. The plot is also influenced by the New York City Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Organized Crime Unit.

Production

The film was directed by Sidney Lumet, who is known for his work on films like 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon, and produced by Dino De Laurentiis, who also produced Three Days of the Condor and King Kong (1976 film). The screenplay was written by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler, based on the book Serpico (book) by Peter Maas, which was published by Viking Press and became a bestseller, similar to The Godfather (novel) by Mario Puzo. The film was shot on location in New York City, with cinematography by Arthur J. Ornitz, who also worked on The Pawnbroker and Death Wish, and editing by Dede Allen, who edited Bonnie and Clyde and Reds (film). The film's score was composed by Mikis Theodorakis, who also scored Zorba the Greek and State of Siege.

Cast

The film stars Al Pacino as Frank Serpico, alongside John Randolph as Chief Sidney Green, Jack Kehoe as Tom Keough, and Biff McGuire as Captain McClain. The cast also includes Barbara Eda-Young as Laurie, Cornelia Sharpe as Leslie Lane, and Tony Roberts as Bob Blair, who was also in Annie Hall and Play It Again, Sam. The film features a range of supporting actors, including F. Murray Abraham and Judd Hirsch, who appeared in Amadeus and Taxi (TV series), respectively.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for Al Pacino's performance as Frank Serpico, which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination, similar to his nominations for The Godfather and Scent of a Woman. The film was also nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Pacino and Best Adapted Screenplay for Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler, who also worked on Midnight Cowboy and Serpico (book). The film was a commercial success, grossing over $29 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1973, alongside The Exorcist and The Sting.

Themes

The film explores a range of themes, including police corruption, brutality, and the moral implications of speaking out against injustice, similar to the themes in The French Connection and Chinatown (film). The film also examines the personal costs of Serpico's actions, including his relationships and his own sense of identity, which are reminiscent of the experiences of Daniel Ellsberg and Mark Felt. The film's portrayal of police corruption and brutality was influenced by the Knapp Commission and the New York City Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau, and its themes are still relevant today, as seen in films like The Departed and The Wire.

Legacy

The film has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with Al Pacino's performance as Frank Serpico becoming an iconic portrayal of a whistleblower, similar to Erin Brockovich and Edward Snowden. The film's influence can be seen in a range of other films and TV shows, including The Sopranos and NYPD Blue, which were created by David Chase and Steven Bochco, respectively. The film has also been recognized as a classic of American cinema, with the Library of Congress selecting it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2005, alongside films like Casablanca and 2001: A Space Odyssey. The film's legacy continues to be felt, with its themes and messages remaining relevant today, as seen in the work of American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Category:American biographical drama films