Directed
by Antonio D'Ambrosio. (2017/98 min).
When
we hear the name, Serpico, the first image that always comes to mind
is Al Pacino. The 1973 film had such a lasting impact on popular
culture that it's easy to forget Frank Serpico is a real guy.
He's
in his 80s now, and lives a relatively quiet life compared to his
tumultuous police career. But when asked, he still has a lot to say
about it, personal insights that no dramatic depiction - no matter
how well made - can possibly convey. The documentary, Frank
Serpico, catches up with the former cop, as well as ex-partners,
friends and the prosecuting attorney who worked closely with him when
he blew the whistle on the massively corrupt NYPD.
Though
much of the film focuses on those years when he risked his life for a
principle, this is also a biography of Frank himself. We learn about
his childhood and upbringing, as well as the years after his
retirement (he remains an activist and speaks out in support of
various causes). Still, Serpico's historic clash with the NYPD
remains the most interesting part of the film and hearing it from
the horse's mouth is nearly as fascinating as the classic movie
that made him a household name. We also get the impression that,
decades later, Frank Serpico still feels lucky to be alive.
 |
| Sitting at Starbucks, Frank spots another Starbucks. |
Ultimately,
Frank Serpico tells a story we've heard before, but getting it
directly from the man who lived it - and those he was close to
- provides a unique perspective (he's also quick to refute some creative liberties taken by director Sidney Lumet). This is
a documentary well worth checking out and would make a great double
feature with the 1973 film.
.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
FEATURETTES
ALTERNATE
OPENING
DELETED
SCENE
TRAILER
KITTY CONSENSUS:
PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS
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