Serpico

[pro-bassoonist]

Sidney Lumet's Serpico (1973) has received a preliminary release date for the Gallic markets: May 11. Courtesy of Studio Canal.

Urban Cinefile:

SYNOPSIS:
Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) fulfils his life-long dream when he becomes a New York policeman. But his idealism is countered by the corruption he finds in the force - which he undertakes to fight, at great personal risk. Based on a true story.

Review by Louise Keller:
Made in 1973 between Godfather 1 and 2, Serpico is an acting tour de force for Al Pacino, who earned an Oscar and BAFTA nomination (and a Golden Globe award) for his role as the street-wise honest cop on a crusade to rid the force of corruption. Like the siren in the opening scene that increases in volume and intensity, so too does the mood of the film as it retraces the life of Frank Serpico, from his idealistic early years to his persistent struggle to counter the ever-present corruption among his colleagues.

From the fatty roast beef at the local diner to the thuggery in the interrogating room, Serpico questions everything when he joins the police force. He has a feel for the streets and gets to keep his handlebar moustache and wear sloppy clothes in his role as undercover cop, despite the scepticism of his superiors. 'Who can trust a cop who doesn't take money,' a colleague asks him when he refuses to take his cut of the 'take', but Serpico never wavers. Sidney Lumet's direction is faultless as we weave effortlessly from Serpico's professional to his private life. Both are intense and his long-term relationship with his next door neighbour is as intriguing as it is comfortable, despite the conflict they endure.

Tension builds as Serpico tries everything possible to flush out the greed and lack of integrity. As the stakes grow higher, it is clear that danger lurks around every corner for this cop with a conscience. It is not only the neighbourhood thugs that he needs to watch, but the men who have taken the same oath he has to uphold justice. Interesting to note that the film was shot in reverse order, starting when Pacino's hair and beard are long and wild, and concluding at the beginning as a clean-cut rookie. A classic.

Pro-B