Serpico (1973) * * * 1/2

 

Directed by:  Sidney Lumet

Starring:  Al Pacino, Tony Roberts, John Randolph, Cornelia Sharpe, Jack Kehoe, James Tolkan, F. Murray Abraham

Frank Serpico's story, if put in the wrong hands, would be a one-dimensional story of one good cop fighting NYPD corruption.  Serpico would be a candidate for sainthood and that's that.  The 1973 movie based on his experience in the NYPD is more complex than that.  Serpico is a cop who refuses go on the take unlike so many others at the time.  He is personally and professionally offended by the idea of dirty cops, but he deals with it until he can no longer tolerate it.   He transfers to different precincts, only to encounter more of the same.  

There are other honest cops out there, and Serpico is fortunate to find them, such as Bob Blair (Roberts), but soon even he is alienated by Serpico because "he's not doing enough,"  Serpico then goes public with his story, which results in the citywide Knapp Investigation which cracks down on corruption, but puts a bullseye squarely on Serpico's back.  As the movie opens, Frank is being carried away after being shot in the face during a bust gone wrong.  He was likely set up by his partners, and the epilogue states that Serpico moved to Switzerland after testifying in the inquiries. 

Al Pacino plays Serpico as an idealist who soon turns his anger and despair on his wife (Sharpe) and the few friends he has.  Sidney Lumet's movie doesn't make the mistake of turning Serpico into the one who is always right.  He is sometimes unreasonable and hostile as he cracks under the pressure of maintaining his honesty.  His fellow officers try to convince him that taking some money does more good than harm.  It allows the others to rest easier knowing he is "one of them,"  Some are subtle, while others strongarm more intently.  We find ourselves not necessarily approving of the corrupt officers, but we understand why they feel the need to take bribes.  They have mortgages, kids going to college, car payments, alimony, and other emergencies that require money.  The bills won't pay themselves.  

Serpico doesn't want to accept their stories.  He lumps them all into the same pile, almost oblivious to the danger.  Pacino's performance is multi-faceted.  At times, we're with him.  At times, we think he's a blowhard spewing moral superiority while making his life and his wife's miserable.  What drives Frank Serpico?  Why doesn't he just leave the force?  Why did he have to flee to Switzerland in the name of standing up for his principles?  Because Serpico the movie has different dimensions and sees the flaws in humanity, we dare seek the answers to those questions.  Ones even Serpico himself might not know.