Review of Serpico (1973) by David S — 20 May 2012

Back in the 70s and 80s when De Palma, Scorsese and Lumet were bringing out these cop/gangster/mob/corruption films ALL set in the Bronx, all including one of either De Niro, Pacino, Pesci, or Liotta, I could see what the fuss was about. These were such solid films. They told of real life stories that most people heard about only in the newspapers. Now, with the internet, we know so much more about what goes on behind the closed doors of law enforcement. Having watched the majority of Pacino's "hard-edge" movies, they do begin to feel very similar.

It doesn't take away from the fact that Serpico is very well made, and one of Pacino's better performances. He really had to leave his smooth Italian fasade behind (Godfather), and bring out his Italian hippie. He was well backed by Tony Roberts and others, and to tell the story of Frank Serpico, this movie did it justice.