Quick Links
- Is Rebel Ridge the Best Cop Thriller of 2024?
- Serpico: The True Story of a Whistleblower
- Al Pacino Is at His Best in Serpico
As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of films, I must say that “Serpico” stands out as one of the most compelling and impactful movies I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch. Having grown up in New York City, I remember the buzz and controversy surrounding this film back in 1973. The story of Frank Serpico, a man who dared to challenge the corrupt system within the NYPD, resonated deeply with me and many others.
The action thriller genre has excited audiences for many decades. Although it is a genre that encompasses many movies and is sometimes coupled with other genres (science-fiction, horror, and even comedy), some stylistic choices and themes are at the core of it. Whether it be about police officers on the hunt for a dangerous criminal (Se7en, Zodiac), organized killers (Reservoir Dogs, No Country for Old Men), or men rejected by society (Taxi Driver, Joker), they happen to often feature lonesome or rogue male characters.
Ever since I stumbled upon “Rebel Ridge,” I’ve been deeply moved by its portrayal of corruption within the police force – a theme that was once uncommon but has found a compelling voice in storytelling. In the past, the police were often depicted as noble figures, our heroes in the narrative. However, it wasn’t until 1972 when producer Dino De Laurentiis tirelessly advocated for this untold tale to be brought to life by Paramount Pictures. The result was “Serpico,” a gripping film starring Al Pacino that resonates profoundly with fans of the latest Netflix sensation.
Read Our Review
Is Rebel Ridge the Best Cop Thriller of 2024?
In a quaint little town, Terry (Aaron Pierre) heads to the local police station with the intention of posting bail for his cousin. Regrettably, the money is confiscated by Chief Sandy Burnne’s (Don Johnson) underlings without any clear justification. With nearly all his life savings gone, Terry becomes determined to understand the mysterious happenings within his town. To aid him in this quest, he seeks assistance from court clerk Summer (AnnaSophia Robb), but also resorts to unconventional and possibly illicit methods.
Ever since its debut, “Rebel Ridge” has garnered significant acclaim on Netflix. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, who’s known for his contemporary, rugged style and ominous storylines filled with sharp dialogues, like “Blue Ruin” (2013), “Green Room” (2015), and “Hold the Dark” (2018). In terms of the cast, Aaron Pierre, an up-and-coming talent particularly recognized for his striking light-colored eyes, has taken on the lead role, where he’s truly excelled.
Serpico: The True Story of a Whistleblower
If you’re impatiently waiting for Rebel Ridge to be released, I recommend checking out films like Serpico, a critically acclaimed movie that’s already available online. Starring Al Pacino, this film is based on the true story of Frank Serpico, a whistleblower who exposed corruption within the New York City Police Department in the 1960s. Despite initial resistance from the press, his story ultimately made it to the front page of the New York Times in 1970, sparking a widespread investigation that eventually led to a significant restructuring and personnel changes within the NYPD.
The movie opens at a critical moment where Serpico gets shot in a confrontation with another officer. However, instead of following a linear timeline, it delves into a series of flashbacks spanning several years. These flashbacks trace Serpico’s journey back to his graduation from the police academy, filled with optimism about his new career. But his dreams soon shatter when he discovers widespread corruption within the station. Determined to take action, Serpico chooses to act against the norm and expose these corrupt practices.
Al Pacino Is at His Best in Serpico
The movie “Serpico” was extensively based on true events as told by Frank Serpico himself, resulting in a compelling narrative that resonated with authenticity due to its abundance of anecdotes and insights into the protagonist’s emotional journey. Al Pacino delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the intricacies of this idealistic man exceptionally well, while depicting his transformation from his academy days to his later years in the NYPD. This transformation is visually represented by a reversed filming approach, as the real Serpico grew his hair and facial hair chronologically during the production.
Following its debut, the movie “Serpico” turned out to be both a critical and financial triumph, amassing $53.28 million globally on a minimal budget of just $3.3 million. In the same year, Al Pacino was honored with a Golden Globe for his outstanding performance, and the film also scooped up the Writers Guild of America Award for the Best Adapted Screenplay. Notably, “Serpico” was also nominated for an Academy Award and a BAFTA. However, the only significant criticism it received came from some outspoken police officers.
Stories about police corruption are frequent yet not always skillfully crafted. The 1973 film “Serpico,” a dramatized true tale focusing on a whistleblower, stands out as an exceptional demonstration of transforming a political narrative into an enthralling journey, enhanced by exquisite visuals and an outstanding portrayal by one of the most revered actors in Hollywood: Al Pacino. If you’re a fan of Netflix’s recent action sensation, you might want to watch “Serpico,” which is currently available on MGM+ and Prime Video. On the other hand, “Rebel Ridge” can be streamed on Netflix.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-09-10 01:31