Serpico - Classic Film Pick

The great Sidney Lumet was a New York City director through and through. By the time he made "Serpico" in 1973 (his 20th film) in 1973 he had performed on the Broadway stage as a child actor, directed Ooff -Broadway plays, and won enormous acclaim for his debut film "12 Angry Men" in (1957). Justice was an ongoing theme for Lumet. Films like such as "Dog Day Afternoon," "Network," and "The Verdict" are significant touchstones. Famously as an actor's director, Lumet was also one of the most prolific filmmakers of the 20th century. He made, making more than 50 films during his career.

"Serpico" finds features Al Pacino's impeccabley embodying portrayal of honest New York City undercover cop Frank Serpico, a real-life hero whose experiences withcrusade against widespread police department corruption eventually led to him beinggot him shot in the face by his fellow officers. Pacino employs to the fullest every aspect detail of period costume, prop, and make-up design in developing his character's morphing psychology. The His tour de force performance as a tireless idealist is as close to perfect as you will ever see. Screenwriter Waldo Salt's contributions to the film's naturalistic dialogue is constantly on display. Part intensive character study and part corrective social medicine, the story obsessively follows Serpico as he anxiously attempts to bring about a full- scale investigation into the corruption that baits him at every police precinct he transfers to. He gets receives impotent assistance from "good -guy" police detective Bob Blair (played by Tony Roberts). whose Blair's escalating efforts to help only put Serpico under the bright florescent light of his many enemies. "Serpico" is a candid and gritty police exposée film that juxtaposes systematic police graft with the personal toll it takes on the man who attempts to blow the lid on the crooked activities that surround him.