# Serpico

> 1973 film directed by Sidney Lumet

**Wikidata**: [Q657079](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q657079)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpico)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/serpico

## Summary

Serpico is a film associated with the New Hollywood movement. It encompasses multiple genres, specifically functioning as a crime film[1][2][3], biographical film[1][2][3], drama film[1][2][3], and action film[1][2][3]. Additionally, the work is a film based on a book[1][2][3].

## Summary
Serpico is a 1973 American biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who exposed widespread corruption in the NYPD. The film stars Al Pacino in the lead role and was released by Paramount Pictures.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Sidney Lumet, released in 1973
- Based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a whistleblower NYPD officer
- Stars Al Pacino as Frank Serpico
- Produced by Dino De Laurentiis Company
- Distributed by Paramount Pictures
- Genre: biographical film, crime film, drama film
- Country of origin: United States
- Production company: Paramount Pictures, Dino De Laurentiis Company
- IMDb ID: tt0070666
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93%
- Metacritic score: 83/100
- Box office gross: $29.8 million
- Runtime: 130 minutes
- Language: English
- Wikipedia sitelink count: 41
- Wikidata description: "1973 film directed by Sidney Lumet"
- Received National Board of Review Top Ten Films award

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Serpico?**
The film follows Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who refuses to take bribes and becomes increasingly disillusioned with the widespread corruption within the NYPD. His attempts to expose the corruption lead to isolation from his fellow officers and eventually force him to go public with his allegations.

**Who stars in Serpico?**
Al Pacino stars as Frank Serpico in the lead role. The film also features supporting performances from John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, and Cornelia Sharpe.

**Is Serpico based on a true story?**
Yes, Serpico is based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a real NYPD officer who exposed corruption in the police department during the 1960s and early 1970s. The film was adapted from Peter Maas's biography of Serpico.

**What awards did Serpico receive?**
Serpico received the National Board of Review Top Ten Films award and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor (Al Pacino) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler).

**Who directed Serpico?**
Serpico was directed by Sidney Lumet, a renowned American filmmaker known for his work on films such as 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, and Network.

## Why It Matters
Serpico matters as a landmark film that exposed systemic police corruption and the personal cost of whistleblowing. The film's unflinching portrayal of institutional corruption within law enforcement resonated with audiences during a time of social upheaval in America and helped spark conversations about police accountability. Al Pacino's transformative performance established him as one of Hollywood's premier actors and demonstrated the power of method acting in portraying real-life figures. The film's success also reinforced Sidney Lumet's reputation as a master of socially conscious cinema and influenced subsequent films about institutional corruption and individual integrity.

## Notable For
- Al Pacino's breakthrough performance that established him as a major Hollywood star
- Sidney Lumet's realistic, documentary-style direction
- Its unflinching portrayal of police corruption in New York City
- Being one of the first major Hollywood films to address police corruption directly
- Its influence on subsequent whistleblower-themed films and television shows
- The film's role in bringing national attention to police corruption issues
- Its critical and commercial success despite controversial subject matter
- The authentic portrayal of 1960s-70s New York City atmosphere

## Body

### Production and Development
Serpico was produced by Dino De Laurentiis Company and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film was adapted from Peter Maas's 1973 biography "Serpico," which chronicled the real-life experiences of Frank Serpico. The screenplay was written by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler, with Salt receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Principal photography took place in New York City, with Sidney Lumet utilizing authentic locations to capture the gritty realism of the story.

### Cast and Performances
Al Pacino stars as Frank Serpico, delivering what many critics consider one of his finest performances. This role came after his breakthrough performance in The Godfather (1972) and further cemented his reputation as a method actor capable of intense, transformative performances. The supporting cast includes John Randolph as Serpico's father, Jack Kehoe as Bob Blair, Biff McGuire as Tom Keough, and Cornelia Sharpe as Leslie Lane. Many of the supporting roles were filled by actual NYPD officers and New York City residents, adding to the film's authenticity.

### Direction and Cinematography
Sidney Lumet directed Serpico with his characteristic realistic style, often shooting on location in New York City to capture authentic urban environments. Cinematographer Arthur J. Ornitz employed a documentary-like approach, using handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a sense of immediacy and realism. Lumet's direction emphasized the psychological toll of Serpico's isolation and the moral complexity of his situation, avoiding simplistic portrayals of good versus evil.

### Historical Context and Impact
The film was released during a period of significant social and political upheaval in the United States, including the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and growing public distrust of institutions. Serpico's portrayal of police corruption resonated with audiences who were increasingly skeptical of authority figures. The film contributed to public awareness of police corruption issues and is often cited as influencing subsequent reforms in law enforcement practices and oversight.

### Critical Reception
Upon its release, Serpico received widespread critical acclaim. Roger Ebert praised Al Pacino's performance, writing that "Pacino is brilliant" and that the film "is not just a thriller, but a character study." The film holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 58 reviews, with an average rating of 8.5/10. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 83 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim." Critics particularly praised Pacino's nuanced portrayal of Serpico's psychological deterioration and Lumet's realistic direction.

### Box Office Performance
Serpico was both a critical and commercial success. The film grossed approximately $29.8 million at the box office against a production budget of $3.3 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1973. Its success helped establish Al Pacino as a bankable leading man and demonstrated that socially conscious films could achieve mainstream commercial success.

### Cultural Legacy
The film has become a cultural touchstone in discussions about police corruption and whistleblowing. The term "Serpico" has entered the lexicon as shorthand for police whistleblowers and those who expose institutional corruption. The film has been referenced and parodied in numerous television shows and films, and its influence can be seen in later works dealing with similar themes, such as Prince of the City (also directed by Sidney Lumet) and various television series about police corruption.

### Technical Specifications
The film has a runtime of 130 minutes and was shot in color using 35mm film. The aspect ratio is 1.85:1. The original theatrical release included an R rating from the MPAA for language and some violence. The film's score was composed by Mikis Theodorakis, whose music contributed to the film's tense and atmospheric tone.

### Related Works and Adaptations
Serpico inspired a television movie sequel, "Serpico: The Deadly Game," which aired in 1976. The real Frank Serpico has continued to be a public figure, speaking about police reform and his experiences. The film has been the subject of academic analysis in film studies courses, particularly regarding its portrayal of institutional corruption and the ethics of whistleblowing.

### Genre Classification
Serpico is classified as a biographical film, crime film, and drama film. It exemplifies the crime drama subgenre that focuses on institutional corruption and moral dilemmas. The film's realistic approach and focus on character development align it with Lumet's other works in this genre, such as Prince of the City and Q&A.

### Distribution and Availability
The film has been released on various home video formats, including VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, and Blu-ray. It is available for streaming on multiple platforms and continues to be shown in repertory theaters and film festivals. The film's enduring popularity has ensured its preservation and continued accessibility to new audiences.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070666/)
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/serpico)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=37036.html)
4. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film351360.html)
5. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/serpico)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070666/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_wr)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. The Movie Database
9. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
10. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070666/releaseinfo)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070666/parentalguide)
13. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0070666/)
14. Mubi
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16. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/serpico/)
17. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
18. AlloCiné
19. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
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22. Bechdel Test Movie List
23. mymovies.it
24. Serpico
25. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/76E2-AC1C-85DC-762A-FAC2-T)
26. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/85261)
27. Trakt.tv
28. FilmVandaag.nl