Serpico 1973

Frank's Wounded State

The film opens with Frank Serpico, played by Al Pacino, bloodied and slumped in the backseat of a police car. Sirens wail as he is rushed to the hospital following a brutal gunshot wound to the face, setting the stage for his turbulent journey within the NYPD.

Beginning of Frank's Career

Frank Serpico starts his career as a police officer in 1960, fueled by idealism and a strong belief in non-violent approaches to law enforcement. His dedication to upholding justice is apparent as he strives to make a positive impact in the community.

Confronting Corruption

Serpico discovers rampant corruption within the police department, particularly the culture of bribery that includes payoffs from illegal activities. His principled stand against these unethical practices causes friction with many of his colleagues, leading to a sense of isolation.

Alienation in Greenwich Village

As tensions rise, Frank moves to Greenwich Village, an artistic and countercultural neighborhood. His long hair and beard mark a stark departure from the traditional police image, causing further alienation from his fellow officers.

Failed Appeals to Superiors

Frank attempts to address the levels of corruption by appealing to his superiors within the NYPD. Unfortunately, he is met with systemic indifference, further reinforcing his commitment to fighting against the corruption plaguing the police force.

Joining Forces with Bob Blair

Frank teams up with a sympathetic officer, Bob Blair, to combat the corruption in the department. Their partnership is formed with hope, but they soon find themselves thwarted by the entrenched bureaucracy that resists any attempts at change.

Personal Struggles

The strain of his fight against corruption takes a toll on Frank's personal life, ultimately leading to the departure of his fiancée, Laurie. Her leaving intensifies his feelings of isolation and underscores the sacrifices he has made for his principles.

Support from an Inspector

After gaining support from a sympathetic police inspector, Frank sees a flicker of hope as he aims to dismantle gambling networks and expose police corruption. This development leads to his long-awaited transfer to the narcotics division.

A Hostile Environment

Upon entering the narcotics division, Frank finds himself in an even more hostile environment. Surrounded by colleagues hostile to his investigative approach, he faces significant challenges in pursuing his mission.

The Tragic Shooting

During a raid on a heroin lab, Frank is shot in the face, a devastating act that leaves him vulnerable. Tragically, he is abandoned by fellow officers whom he hoped would support him, intensifying his sense of betrayal.

Harrowing Recovery

Following the shooting, Frank undergoes a harrowing recovery process. Surrounded by family and a shrinking circle of friends, he grapples with the effects of his injuries and the hatred directed at him through anonymous letters.

Testifying Before the Knapp Commission

As the climax approaches, Frank bravely testifies before the Knapp Commission, shedding light on the corruption ingrained within the police force. His testimony marks a significant step in his fight for justice and accountability.

A Bittersweet Promotion

Despite facing adversity, Frank is promoted to detective and lauded for his bravery. However, the recognition feels hollow as it comes from the very officers who had previously ostracized him.

Decision to Resign

Faced with the reality of his circumstances and the emotional toll of his experiences, Frank makes the difficult decision to resign from the NYPD. He chooses to leave behind the strife-filled life he has known.