Released in 1973
Genre– Biography, Drama, Crime
10/10
Main Cast: Al Pacino
Music– Mikis Theodorakis
Screenplay: Waldo Salt & Norman Wexler
(Based on the book ‘Serpico’ by Peter Maas)
Direction– Sidney Lumet

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

An electrifying portrayal of integrity in a corrupt world, ‘Serpico’ (1973) unveils the gripping true story of Frank Serpico, brilliantly portrayed by
Al Pacino. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this cinematic masterpiece delves into Serpico’s relentless battle against corruption in the system.
With Pacino’s captivating performance, the film immerses viewers into Serpico’s harrowing journey, showcasing his courage, sacrifices, and unyielding commitment to truth and justice within a system marred by deceit and betrayal.

My Comments

When discussing Al Pacino’s stellar performances beyond iconic roles like The Godfather Franchise (1972-1990), Scarface (1983), and …And Justice for All (1979), etc. (the list is long) Serpico (1973) easily secures a spot in my top five. Directed by the ace filmmaker Sidney Lumet and based on the life and times of Frank Serpico, a retired New York Police Department detective and a whistleblower, this film stands as a true masterpiece. Its raw authenticity in storytelling and precise portrayal of Serpico’s life events create a flawless cinematic experience. Lumet, a seasoned filmmaker, expertly navigates the challenging subject matter.

An intriguing aspect I discovered was Pacino’s dedicated preparation for the role, he spent significant time with Serpico himself, deeply immersing into the character. This dedication contributed immensely to the film’s depth and authenticity. Serpico not only stands as a pinnacle of excellence by both Pacino and Lumet but also remains a standout in the genre of cop films.

Reflecting on other favorites within this genre, films like Govind Nihalani’s Ardh Satya (1983), Yeshwant (1997) featuring the incredible Nana Patekar, Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991), another significant film starring Nana Patekar, E. Niwas’ Shool (1998), the 2004 cop drama Ab Tak Chappan, again Nana Patekar and Prakash Jha’s Gangajal (2003) hold a special place. For me, these films exemplify the essence of top-tier cop dramas. Additionally, the series Fargo, particularly Season 1 & Season 2, also stands out as an exceptional contribution to the genre.
[Will talk more about cop films in another post …to be continued]

Nominations and Accolades

Serpico (1973) received two Academy Award nominations: Al Pacino for Best Actor and Waldo Salt & Norman Wexler for Best Adapted Screenplay. Pacino clinched his first Golden Globe in 1974 for Best Actor in the film. The film’s music director, Mikis Theodorakis, earned nominations for both the Grammy and BAFTA Awards in the Best Music category. Furthermore, the film garnered numerous nominations across various prestigious award ceremonies.

P.S. The screenplay of ‘Serpico (1973)’ was honored with the Best Adapted Screenplay award at the 26th Writer’s Guild of America Awards in 1973.

#Serpico1973 #FrankSerpico #SidneyLumet #AlPacino

In case you overlooked our earlier post, here’s the link
Umbartha (Subah) (1982)
Remebering Smita Patil