Review of Serpico (1973) by Al M — 10 Aug 2010

Serpico is riveting exploration of police corruption featuring an excellent performance from Pacino and stirring direction from Lumet. Serpico drags on a bit too long as Lumet films tend to do. Not that I mind longer films, but Lumet often fills his films with preachy speeches that make the point of the film too blatant instead of letting his images and dialogue speak for themselves.

Still, Serpico is filled with tense drama, action, and an increasingly bizarre series of70s outfits for Pacino. Ultimately, Serpico is powerful film, particularly to those of us who always pride themselves on playing by the rules when the system seems to consistently reward those who do not.

It functions as a critique not just of corruption within government institutions but also the corruption of ethics on a personal level. As the film shows, it becomes increasingly easy to just give in to the pressure instead of constantly making enemies by trying to maintain some ideals that ultimately seem flawed in themselves.

As with Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico's film does not paint a very flattering picture of law enforcement, yet at the same time it holds onto the hope that officers like Serpico exist. Serpico is such a fascinating character because not only is he an honest cop, but he is also a person who enjoys the arts (something that only wins him more hatred and ridicule on the police force).