Serpico Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Al Pacino grows a beard, refuses free bagels, and then everyone gets mad.

🍿 Serpico: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Idealistic Rookie

Frank Serpico joins the NYPD in the 1960s, full of idealism and a desire to serve and protect. He quickly discovers a pervasive culture of corruption, where officers routinely accept payoffs from criminals and look the other way. This stark contrast to his expectations sets the stage for his long struggle.

Refusing to Participate

Serpico refuses to partake in the corruption, setting him apart from his colleagues and making him an outsider. He faces increasing isolation and hostility as his fellow officers become suspicious of him. He attempts to report the corruption through official channels, but finds little support from his superiors.

Escalating Tensions and Betrayal

As Serpico persists in his efforts to expose the corruption, the dangers escalate. He is transferred to different precincts, but the problem remains systemic. The pressure takes a toll on his personal life, straining his relationships. Ultimately, he is set up during a drug bust and shot in the face, raising suspicions that his fellow officers deliberately left him vulnerable.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Serpico (Al Pacino): An idealistic and incorruptible NYPD officer who exposes widespread corruption within the police force, facing ostracism and life-threatening situations.
• Sidney Green (John Randolph): A captain who is one of Serpico’s contacts within the NYPD and becomes involved in Serpico’s reports of corruption.
• Tom Keough (Jack Kehoe): A corrupt police officer and one of Serpico’s colleagues.
• Bob Blair (Tony Roberts): A well-connected ally of Serpico’s who attempts to help him navigate the corrupt system but ultimately fails to enact meaningful change.
• Laurie (Barbara Eda-Young): Serpico’s girlfriend who struggles to cope with his obsession with fighting corruption, leading to the end of their relationship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank Serpico: “I’m not going to be a part of it anymore.” – Serpico’s declaration of independence from the pervasive corruption within the police force.
• Frank Serpico: “The reality is that we do not wash our own laundry–it just gets dirtier.” – Expressing his frustration with the lack of accountability and cover-ups within the police department.
• Frank Serpico: “Who can trust a cop who don’t take money?” – Highlights the suspicion and isolation Serpico faces from his fellow officers due to his honesty.
• Frank Serpico: “I wanted to be a cop. To help people.” – Serpico’s idealistic motivation for joining the police force, contrasting with the reality of corruption.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $29,800,000
• Worldwide Gross: $29,857,918

💥 Serpico Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched Serpico when I was a teenager and it completely blew my mind. Al Pacino’s performance is just incredible – you really feel his frustration and isolation as he fights against the corruption. The scene where he gets shot is so intense and stays with you long after the movie ends. It really made me think about the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. It’s still one of my all-time favorite movies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Al Pacino”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate true stories”
  • “People interested in films about corruption and social justice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of corruption”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Serpico isn’t just a crime drama; it’s a gripping character study powered by Pacino’s raw intensity. Lumet’s direction captures the gritty reality of 1970s New York, making it a must-see for any serious film fan. Pacino’s performance is mesmerizing and unforgettable.
• The New York Times: “Lumet and Pacino create a potent portrait of a man of unwavering principle in a corrupt world. Serpico is an unflinching look at police corruption, elevated by Pacino’s passionate and nuanced performance. A timeless classic.
• Variety: “Pacino delivers a career-defining performance as Frank Serpico, a cop who dared to stand against a corrupt system. Lumet’s direction is taut and impactful, making ‘Serpico’ a powerful and enduring film.

Audience Reactions

Pacino’s performance is a masterclass in acting.: Everyone agrees Pacino is incredible as Serpico.

A realistic and unflinching look at police corruption.: Viewers appreciate the movie’s gritty realism and honesty.

Overall Consensus: Serpico is a powerful and enduring classic, praised for its realistic depiction of corruption and Al Pacino’s outstanding performance.

Awards

1. David di Donatello Awards (Best Foreign Actor)- 1974

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Al Pacino invited the real Frank Serpico to stay with him at a house he rented in Montauk, New York, to prepare for the role.”
• “The film was shot largely on location in New York City, adding to its gritty realism and authenticity.”
• “Sidney Lumet encouraged Al Pacino to improvise many of his lines, contributing to the naturalistic feel of the dialogue.”

🖥️ How to Watch Serpico?

Serpico is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can rent or buy it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings as well. Availability may vary based on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Serpico, you might like these similar films:

• Prince of the City (1981): Another Sidney Lumet film exploring police corruption in New York City, focusing on a narcotics officer who exposes corruption within the department.
• The Insider (1999): A whistleblower story where an individual takes on a powerful corporation, facing immense personal and professional consequences.
• All the President’s Men (1976): Explores themes of institutional corruption and the struggle to expose the truth, with investigative journalists uncovering the Watergate scandal.
• LA Confidential (1997): A neo-noir crime film that delves into the dark underbelly of the LAPD in the 1950s, showcasing corruption and moral ambiguity.
• Training Day (2001): A rookie cop spends his first day on the job with a corrupt Los Angeles narcotics officer who sets out to show him what police work is really all about.

🛒 Serpico Related Products

• Serpico (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition featuring restored visuals and special features on the making of the movie.
• Serpico: The Classic True Story of an Honest Cop by Peter Maas: The original book that inspired the movie, providing deeper insights into Frank Serpico’s experiences. Readers can delve deeper into the real story.
• Serpico T-Shirt: A vintage-style t-shirt featuring the Serpico movie poster.
• Al Pacino: An Actor’s Story: An in-depth biography about Al Pacino’s life and works, including his role in Serpico and the impact it had on his career.

🎧 Soundtrack

Serpico features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “E Lucevan le Stelle (from Tosca)” – performed by Giuseppe Di Stefano
• “Serpico Main Theme” – performed by Mikis Theodorakis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Al Pacino Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Want to know how Al Pacino brought Serpico to life? In this insightful interview, he shares his thoughts on the role, giving us a deeper understanding of the character and the film.

City Room: Watching ‘Serpico’ With Serpico | The New York Times

Curious about how the real-life Serpico viewed the movie? In this authentic interview, he watches the film and shares his reactions, providing an insider’s perspective.

Ex-Undercover Cop Rates 13 Iconic Undercover Police Officers In Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how accurate the undercover scenes in Serpico are? An ex-cop weighs in on this and other movies, sharing their expert insights on the portrayal of undercover work.

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