Review: ‘Serpico’ Fifty Years Later and Still and Amazing Film

Fifty years after its release, “Serpico” remains an amazing film.

Based on an unbelievable true story, “Serpico” was directed by the great Sidney Lumet and stars Al Pacino who delivers one of his greatest performances.

“Who can trust a cop who don’t take money?”

The film spans the life of Detective Frank Serpico from the late 60s to the early 70s as he patrolled the tough streets of New York City. Serpico would go on to uncover the immense corruption that the various police departments he worked with bathed in.

The movie opens with a wounded Serpico being rushed to the emergency room after being shot. Its raining. The siren is blaring. The noir mood is set. “You think a cop did it?” One officer asks. “I know 6 cops who’d like to.” Is the response. The movie is then told via flashback, starting with Serpico’s graduation from the police academy. We fully understand the character of Frank Serpico from that one quick line.

He doesn’t quite fit in.

And he likes animals. Also, he has visions of bettering the world. And he’s an overachiever amidst a blue sea of mediocrity. Serpico has a fascinating personal life which is also displayed. He’s a womanizer, and a true relic of the sixties. And most important, he doesn’t take bribes. “We do not wash our own laundry.” He hollers at one point after threatening to report his fellow officers. “It just gets dirtier.” Frank Serpico discovers there’s more corruption on the good side of the law than in the entire Corleone Family

Al Pacino delivers what may be his best performance. Sandwiched between the two Godfather films, and twenty years before his “Scent of a Woman” hoo-ah trope, Pacino was cementing himself as an icon. He looks the part of 70s undercover cop with his numerous disguises and styles. He acts the part of rogue lawman flawlessly. Pacino delivers a captivating performance.

There’s a large supporting cast John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Barbara Eda-Young, Cornelia Sharpe, Edward Grover. Tony Roberts. None are Al Pacino but all solidify the tenor and tone of the piece.

Next to Pacino, the setting of 1970s New York City is what fuels the film. It’s a brooding metropolis. There are no coffee shops or Friends. It looks like a scary place that’s tough to survive. The score by composer Mikis Theodorakis assists at setting the ambiance.

I would love a reboot TV series of 1970s New York cops. “Serpico” is a phenomenal film. It makes you think from a story point and appreciate acting, directing.

“Serpico” is currently available to stream on Amazon