Critique: Film> Reviews.

Al Pacino stars as Frank Serpico, a NYPD officer who is most famous for stepping forward to report and testify against police corruption in the 1970s. A true story, based on Peter Maas' autobiography of the character, Serpico portrays the honest cop who is harassed and distrusted by his fellow officers, simply for doing the right thing.

The film opens with Serpico in hospital, reflecting on past events. We see his rise from rookie to the more experienced officer, becoming familiar with the dodgy dealings of the cops around him. Frank soon learns that if you don't accept bribes from a variety of different sources then you really aren't part of the team at all. Refusing to conform, Serpico becomes isolated in the force for his honest and “hippy” lifestyle. After the police commissioner fails to take his allegations seriously, he proceeds to go to the New York Times, prompting an investigation from the Mayor. However, after hearing the news, the corrupt cops are out to get Serpico, making the character fear for his life.

Whereas it can be argued that The Godfather made Pacino into a star, it's Serpico that is Pacino's own. His first leading performance is full of charisma and passion; he appears to be very authentic, when compared to the character in Maas' book, and totally committed to the role. He's riveting to watch, as always.

The only bad thing flaw regarding Pacino's electrifying presence in this film is that it barely leaves room for any other interesting characters. While this is understandable -- the film is a depiction of the world through Frank Serpico's eyes, after all -- it would've been better if Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler's script would've allowed them to make more of an impact. Instead, the writing tends to detail the finer things in Serpico's private life, which, at times, weakens the strength of the whole picture.

Still, Serpico is a very important film for its time; it's a celebration of Frank Serpico being the first officer to testify openly about the widespread police corruption. Pacino's performance as the unyielding character is the ultimate appeal of the whole movie, which does justice to such an influential figure in our society. Thought-provoking, as well as being entertaining with some decent action scenes, Serpico is a must for Pacino fans and those interested in the darker side of the law.

Frank Serpico continues to speak out about civil liberties and corrupt practices in law enforcement via his website, discussing his life and thoughts regarding doing the right thing in society. It should be inspirational to those individuals that seek truth and justice, even when confronted with the prospect of great personal loss.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2009.