"Who wants a piece of Serpico!" Thanks Charlie.

There’s an anecdote Pacino shared once, in which he asked Serpico why he didn’t go along with the corruption. Serpico responded with something along the lines of, “If I took the money, what kind of person would I be when I listened to Beethoven?”

Sidney Lumet was one of the all-time great directors. The 70s was a wild time for cinema, too. Lots of pushing the limits of storytelling.

Young al Pacino was just such an incredible character actor. Godfather 1&2, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Scarface… all distinctly different roles played to absolute perfection. It’s crazy to watch

Funny that your last 'It's Always Sunny' reaction had Charlie doing his Serpico bit and now you drop this :D Nice!

YES!!! The "It's Always Sunny" Connection rocks! What a great film!! Al Pacino at the height of his acting powers. Sidney Lumet is such a great director. Another great Pacino turn: "AND JUSTICE FOR ALL"... another few great films from this era: "3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR" (starring Robert Redford and Max Von Sydow) and "ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN" (Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in a historical political drama) and "THE CONVERSATION" (Gene Hackman stars in this brilliant Coppola film).

One of Sidney Lumet's best films and a bonafide classic. My second favorite Al Pacino role after Michael Corleone, and a great film based on a truet story. If you want to know more about Frank Serpico, check out his book.

I love this movie - the 70s in general were a great era for US filmmaking. Themes matured, and popular art dared to look at the cracks in the societal veneer - the darker machinations and dynamics both in people and in society. There were precursors, of course - in movies like Fritz Lang's *M*, or the noir movies of the 30s-50s in particular. But they usually still centered around stylyzed, somewhat larger-than-life figures (Gründgens vs Lorre in *M*, Bogart in *The Maltese Falcon*, Dietrich in "Witness for the Prosecution"). In contrast, the great movies of the 70s were somewhat more naturalistic by being centered around more "ordinary" characters - less polished, abstract, stylyzed - less removed from things we might recognize in ourselves, our neighbors or acquaintances - which makes the depiction of these tragic tales and figures all the more more immediate and relatable.

Gotta give thanks to Always Sunny for this one hahaha. Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day!

Sydney Lumet had a very adaptable directing style. From "12 Angry Men" in which 98% was filmed in one room to the eventful *"Serpico"* and suspenseful *"Dog Day Afternoon".* My personal favorite is his 1976 effort titled *"Network".* Not only was it satirical, but prophetic in its storytelling. Great reaction.

I was wondering when you were watching that Always Sunny episode if you knew the reference. Well, I'm glad you now get it! It makes it that much funnier!

This director, Sidney Lumet, also directed 12 Angry Men, Long Day's Journey Into Night, The Verdict, The Wiz, and Dog Day Afternoon just to name a few. He's the real deal. You should react to Dog Day Afternoon ASAMFP. It's a superb film.

Aw man, Serpico is one of my all time favourites, so pleased to see you get around to watching this great movie.

One of Pacino’s best roles, and you can’t beat the energy of NYC in the ‘70s! My mom watches this any time it’s on TV, because it is great…but it also reminds her of her time growing up in the city back then.

It's amazing how Al Pacino's voice has evolved over the years

Lol I knew it was only a matter of time that you would watch this after the last always sunny episode. You would also love Dog Day Afternoon with Pacino, which also gets parodied on Always Sunny as well

Fun fact: Serpico was filmed, for the most part, in reverse chronological order. Pacino grew out his hair and beard before filming began, and they gradually shaved it back as filming progressed. They kept fake beards and mustaches on hand in case they felt scenes needed to be reshot.

Literally just watched you react to the always sunny episode and then this popped up. I only think of Charlie now when I watch this movie lol.

You can search Frank Serpico on KZfaq. He's now in his 80s and still delivers speeches about police corruption today. He's now back living in Brooklyn all over again. But for the longest time, he was living far away from NYC probably because he felt that corrupt police officers would still be after him, even all these decades later. But he moved back to the U.S. sometime in the early 1980's. And I believe it wasn't until in recent years he returned to NYC. Before that he was living in upstate New York. He is still as very outspoken as he ever was, and he seems like an all around nice guy in his interviews.

Yes, true story, Frank Serpico was a good guy, not sure if he's still around. Last interview I saw of him (around 2006-2007), he supported pot legalization, and asked about his opinion of Rudy Giuliani - then still making mileage out of his 911 status as "America's mayor"- an absolute clown (boy was he right!). I still recall him saying that the night he got shot, rescue came very slow, much slower than for any officer that's being shot. Also added that he was under some sort of protection for decades after his time with the NYPD. Finally, said he was each year contacted by scores of good cops who told him of horror stories and just needed to get it off their chests (or seek some guidance about it). Very good and cool guy - his career was a beacon of light and hope amidst dark circumstances where most human beings would simply look the other way.

Charlie also does an Al Pacino impression from the 1975 film "Dog Day Afternoon" in the "Charlie goes America all over everyone's ass" episode.

"Ok, Mr. Mayor, feast your ears on that spin doctor's mix!"

Oh! And another suggestion: 1997's Copland, starring Sylvester Stallone in his finest performance since Rocky. A rock solid police/crime/corruption tale.

Hi James, glad you liked this classic from the 70s. There's much more from that era, so many good films.

Frank Serpico is an American hero Still going to this day, despite being left for dead by his "comrades". Never stopped fighting the corruption and was finally recognized 50 years after

When I was 11 years old I was on a camp trip in NYC. We came across the filming of Serpico in downtown. Great movie.

One of my all-time favorites, right up there with Dog Day Afternoon and The French Connection in epic NYC crime movies!!!

This is an amazing film. I’m glad to see you’re watching it, this is one of Pacino’s best performances and best films, especially regarding his early career. Keep up the great work James, I hope you’re doing well. Take care!

"Feast your eyes on THAT spin doctas mix!!!"

All of Sydney Lumet's movies are brilliant. Prince of the City is his pinnacle

I lived in Manhattan in the '70's and yes, Frank Serpico became famous when he was shot~ Director Sidney Lumet was a poet of New York City

Ive been needing more reactions to Serpico my prayers have been answered

There is one 70s movie you Must see: Sorcerer. It is a remake of the French film "Wages of Fear", but as I like that one, I have always thought Friedkin did a much better job with the suspense. Plus, it has a nail-biting scene you will likely see used the most for its movie posters. It flopped at the box office, mostly because it was released a month after Star Wars and because the studio did such a bad job of promoting it. The film has since seen a resurgence of interest and praise in recent years. The other great thing about it is the Tangerine Dream soundtrack. So, I hope you will choose to at least let your supporters vote on it and you get to watch it soon. It truly is one of Friedkin's best films ever made.

One thing I really enjoy about your reactions is how empathetic and connected you get to the characters. Cheers! 🍻

So glad you got a chance to check this classic.

Shout out to the late great Sidney Lumet. What a filmmaker. Definitely worth checking out his very last movie "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead". Criminally underseen. Fantastic cast.

A friend of mine lives near Frank Serpico in upstate NY. Apparently he still conducts himself as if he expects someone to try and take him out any moment.

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The BADGE is a sacred trust between the officer and the public. When an officer doesn't respect that, tyranny always follows.

Yes that was F Murray Abraham (who played Salieri). This was one of his first acting credits.

Another great late 60s/early 70s film!!!!! Still say this era was the peak of American cinema.

I read the book before seeing the movie. They're pretty close. Pacino hung out with the retired Serpico to really get into character. Serpico is still with us, and pops up every once in a while for interviews.

I DO MISS WHEN FILMS TOOK THEIR DAMN TIME & TOLD A BRILLIANT STORY. BLADE RUNNER. SERPICO. 2001. TRY "PANIC IN MEEDLE PARK"

So great!!! ❤❤❤

"I taped over the Spin Doctors mix!"

Al Pacino and Gary Oldman two of the greatest actors in my lifetime,so many different roles, thanks

So glad you got to this quickly! A seminal piece of Pacino's repertoire.

The Squeaky Chair in the precinct blew My Mind!

Excellent reaction. One of the greats all around. Who knew that Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler would produce this masterpiece of a screenplay. Long time veteran screenwriter paired with wild card, slightly unhinged screenwriter is a chemistry that one can try to explain, however, it is better to see it on the screen. Man, that Best Actor category in 1973 was a tough one. Al Pacino was nominated along side Jack Lemmon for Save the Tiger, Marlon Brando for Last Tango..., Jack Nicholson for The Last Detail, and Robert Redford for The Sting. Great performances across the board. Who do you choose from that list?

I often wear a similar hat and have a beard as well. A few of the guys at work kept calling me "Serpico." I had no idea what the HELL that meant. Then I saw this and it all made sense. LOL

Wow, James! I hit upon your channel while looking for something else, but I'm glad I did. Your review and reactions to this film were both extraordinary... and if I may say so, unexpected, coming from someone of your (apparent) generation. The way things are (politically) in the age we are living in, I completely expected you to trash this movie because the zeitgeist seems to be that anything associated with cops must be denigrated or erased. Thank you for providing such a sensitive and informative review! I will share that my father (rest his soul) was a Chicago police officer from 1971-1982 and experienced many of the same things as Serpico before eventually resigning after ten years, just as Serpico did. It was sad, during my childhood, watching my father spiral from being a young idealistic officer into a person who became cynical, paranoid, and an alcoholic. My father estimated that only 2% of Chicago police officers were totally and completely honest, with the rest being corrupt to various degrees or being susceptible to corruption by fellow officers. Having said that, however, he did believe that nearly all officers wanted to see justice done, but their perception of justice didn't necessarily correspond to what was legal. I believe that this is still true in the current day. Serpico was one of my father's favorite movies, and he said that most of the events portrayed were very realistic. The parts where his fellow officers continually try to 'cut him in' on taking money, and the part where the motorist tries to bribe his way out of a traffic ticket were especially realistic according to my dad. Although, he said, it wasn't nearly as blatant or elaborate as it was portrayed in the movie, at least not in Chicago. The biggest difference, compared to Chicago, is that Serpico wouldn't have survived after going to the press, my father said. That was a 'line in the sand' that wouldn't have been tolerated in Chicago, and he would've had a much more fatal 'accident' sooner than Serpico did. I used to think that my father exaggerated a bit, until I, myself, also became a public servant in Chicago. I wasn't a police officer, but I was involved in regulatory enforcement, and now I would say that my father was actually quite reserved in describing his experiences. I, too, resigned my position after 15 years.... and was ashamed of myself for tolerating things as long as I did. The powers that be do not allow one to be disloyal to the establishment without severe consequences, regardless of how much they push the narrative that one should report corruption. In the end, there's really nothing you can do but just leave and refuse to go along any further. I knew I didn't want to end up like my father, so the choice was clear. The average person simply doesn't understand the amount of mental trauma and horror that police officers (and other public servants) see on a daily basis. Eventually, the PTSD becomes overwhelming to the point where one is no longer effective at his or her job, and something has to give. Alcoholism and divorce are very prevalent among police officers for this very reason and seeking preventive mental health treatment is frowned upon for anyone in government service, especially for police officers. The perception is that you may be, or become, unstable in the future, and at the same time, you are supposed to be the 'rock' that the public relies upon. Consequently, it's ironic that many public servants eventually become less mentally stable than the people they are serving. I didn't mean to get off into the weeds like this but suffice it to say that I was most impressed and surprized with your sensitivity and apparent understanding. It tends to be an uncommon thing among the average citizen who has not been exposed to the personal lives of police officers. By the way, Serpico now lives in upstate New York again. I would recommend that you view the following links if you're interested in learning more about the real Serpico: A&E Biography: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jLuqq9Ry05zSf5c.html Serpico watching 'Serpico': kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n5mUerqguMmlnqs.html Video Podcast - The Doug Poppa Podcast (most recent): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hpliapRoyM6pgas.html Thanks again for your excellent and insightful critique of this film. I have subscribed to your channel and will be looking at some of your other reviews as time allows.

My mom's 1st cousin Conard Fowkes was in this movie! (he was the cop in the back of the car with Pacino before the narcotics raid). He had a small part, but it was so cool he got to work with legend Al freakin' Pacino! A great movie.

There's a Serpico reference in Conspiracy Theory, also. Which is also must-see cinema, BtW, esp. for an artistic filmmaker. ✌🏼

the script and camera shots come together in the storyboarding. that's where you should set your pacing. its said that hitchcock believed the actual shooting of the film was the most boring part of filmmaking. creating the storyboards - that's what was fun and creative. he knew exactly how he would shoot and edit the film before he ever shot it. he just just shot the story boards.

There's green in a lot of shots; interiors, cars, outfits. I interpret it as a reference to money

Pacino is excellent and this movie just shows why he is so revered as an actor. The movie “The Insider” is another movie where Pacino is amazing. Russell Crowe and Cristopher Plummer are great in that movie as well.

The soundtrack of the movie is gorgeous! R.I.P Miki Theodoraki.

Yes a very true story, and Frank Serpico is still alive at 87 years of age.

I know you watched "French Connection", "Dog Day afternoon" and now "Serpico", and seeing that these are from select group of great NYC crime movies of the 70s. you should finish it off with - "The Taking of Pelham 123"

Definitely one of Pacino best performances and one of the most underrated movies of the 1970’s

Thanks james, this is an iconic movie. Not only entertaining, but also educational. Another one you should watch is the 1968 movie 'Bullitt' and 'The Getaway" from 1972

Wow, THIS reaction I'm looking forward to seeing!

That was F. Murray Abraham who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Antonio Salieri in Amadeus. This was a true story. Another great NYC police corruption movie is Prince of the City starring the recently deceased Treat Williams as a dirty cop that turns on the department.

All the Presidents Men, And Justice for All, and Dog Day Afternoon.

Such a great movie!

The 1970s was such a gutsy time for movies.

Perfectly timed with this weeks Always Sunny lol

James, hi. I've browsed a few reactors, and I love being able to use them as an excuse to rediscover an old good movie, but what I'm appreciating about this tonight is how a movie like Serpico teeters and totters on the very edge of memory, but you're doing the job of bringing it forth once more, amidst the more usual KZfaq fare. There was a time of "police adventures," some of them based in reality like Prince of the City, The French Connection, or The Onion Field, forays in fiction like Report to the Commissioner, and flat-out tributes to old-time New York City like the magnificent Taking of Pelham One Two Three (the original). This director, Sidney Lumet, has a powerful filmography -- starting with 1957's 12 Angry Men, then The Pawnbroker, Fail Safe, Dog Day Afternoon, Network, and The Verdict. (Mad Magazine usually tries to mock whatever they satirize, but when they did this movie, they settled on the name "Serpicool." And, yeah, that was Salieri from Amadeus himself, F. Murray Abraham, in an uncredited role.) I hope you can keep startling me like this. Thanks.

This is my favorite Al Pacino role. This movie is amazing.

Sidney Lumet is one of my favourite filmmakers and someone i would consider an influence on shaping how i view filmmaking as an art form. Serpico, Prince of the City, Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict, 12 Angry Men and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (his last film before he died) are some of my favourites of his and as well as some of my favourite films of all time. I also strongly recommend reading his book Making Movies which is a brilliant guide for aspiring filmmakers with some great insights and tips.

man what an era the 70s was for Al Pacino, he made The Godfather, Scarecrow, Serpico , The Godfather II and Dog Day Afternoon back to back and only one Academy Award decades later , such a shame , and i highly recommend his other undercover cop classic cruising which is criminally underrated

If you want more Al Pacino from this era....Dog Day Afternoon!

It's very cool what you're doing! Thanks for Serpico. Hello from Ukraine!

70's movies are cool. I recommend And Justice for All with Pacino again. The China Syndrome is a good one and Kramer vs Kramer. A lot of very idealistic movies.

Yes!

Good book too. Love the old hard-boiled crime flicks of the '70s.

If there are any neo- Serpicos out there, their story's need to be told....we need it!

A fantastic film - casting, locations, script, audio & framing, etc. Of course what I remember most is the skewering this film got from MAD magazine! High praise! The film Super Cops (1974) is also a true NYC police tale. Two of them are tired of not catching punk criminals, so they put on sneakers. Locals notice their results and start calling the duo Batman & Robin!

Hands down best Al's acting! [IMO] 2nd - Dog Day Afternoon 3- Godfather trilogy. Yes I'm including 3> That silent scream at the end, his confession, his confession to Kay. Not to mntn they killed more ppl than in 1&2 together. And touched very "taboo'' subs. As always a very SMART analysis of a masterpiece, n nothing slipped by u homie- PROPS!

my all time favorite Pacino/Lumet movie

Forgotten how good this film is! One of Pacinos finest (and most subtle) performances Have you done "Bad Lieutenant" (Harvey Keitel 1992) ? It's an acting masterclass...

Be sure to check out the Lumet's follow up to Serpico... Prince of the City starring Treat Williams [RIP]!

Yeah, 'how much you can do, and get the heck out'. That's the way it goes. Good observation.

great movie. sidney lumet did this one and dog day afternoon, i think back to back. incredible realism -- i say this as a life long new yorker much older than you. you may want to try one more of his: Q & A. It takes some getting used to -- the way he wrote it. but, it has just incredible performances.

Yes F. Murray Abraham played Mozart's rival, Salieri. That was his breakout role and probably his biggest. Recommend another from that time period: PAPILLON starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. Screenplay by the great Dalton Trumbo.

Have you seen " Copeland" similar subject matter and I think Stallion's best acting job and a good movie to boot

I highly recommend the Aussie movie Two Hands. It was a very early movie in both Heath Ledger and Rose Byrne's career. Also has legendary Aussie actor Bryan Brown.

Glad you appreciated this. I cannot recommend director Sidney Lumet's book Making Movies enough -- one of the very small number of essential film textbooks.

Such a great movie. Watched it with my Dad about 30+ years ago. He said it was a classic and he was right. I watch it every chance I get now. It was pretty close to the real story for its time. Making real stories into accurate movies is a more recent thing. People really look out for the factual errors nowadays. Where as Braveheart & Titanic passed as "historically accurate" 20 years ago. Such a cool guy too. Think he's still alive. He ran for some small Election in the last few years. He was ahead of his time.

One of my favorite movies. Al Pacino at his best.

More Sidney Lumet gems please! Fail Safe (1964), The Pawnbroker (1964),Network (1976), The Verdict (1982)...

Check out Prince of the City also directed by Sidney Lumet from 1981 starring the late great Treat Williams. It’s a very similar story to Serpico.

9:09 - yes, it is

As already mentioned check out this Director’s film “before the Devil knows you’re dead” Too many big names, and that film to list.

I seem to remember a Times obituary for Frank Serpico sometime earlier this year (or last year). Really prefer your "older" film reactions to recent or TV reactions.

It's 2023 and still no one remembers Sallieri😅. Great film and great reaction.

You should watch Harakiri (1962)! It's a great japanese movie about the samurai code. Amazing cinematography, and great story, I think you'd love it

A true story. The real Serpico ended up moving overseas because he was basically a moving target had he stayed in the NYC or anywhere close. This was turned into a TV series in 1976, but it flopped.

Yes this is based on a true story, my father was a detective in Brooklyn at the time this happened .

"For the Mare" - Charlie Serpico Day

This is awesome thank you charlie Kelly