Serpico

Serpico
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Sidney Lumet
Screenplay by	Waldo Salt Norman Wexler
Based on	Serpico by Peter Maas
Produced by	Martin Bregman
Starring	Al Pacino
Cinematography	Arthur J. Ornitz
Edited by	Dede Allen
Music by	Mikis Theodorakis
Production companies	Artists Entertainments Complex, Inc. Produzion De Laurentiis International Manufacturing Company S.P.A.
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures
Release date	December 5, 1973 (1973-12-05)
Running time	130 minutes[1]
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$3.3 million[2]
Box office	$29.8 million (US/Canada)[3] $23.4 million (worldwide rentals)[4]

Serpico is a 1973 American biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino in the title role. The screenplay was adapted by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler from the book written by Peter Maas, with the assistance of its subject Frank Serpico. The story details Serpico's struggle with corruption within the New York City Police Department during his eleven years of service, and his work as a whistleblower that led to the investigation by the Knapp Commission.

Producer Dino De Laurentiis purchased the rights from Maas. Agent Martin Bregman joined the film as co-producer. Bregman suggested Pacino for the main part, and John G. Avildsen was hired to direct the film. Pacino met with Serpico to prepare for the role early in the summer of 1973. After Avildsen was dismissed, Lumet was hired as his replacement. On a short notice, he selected the shooting locations and organized the scenes; the production was filmed in July and August.

On its release, Serpico became a critical and commercial success. At the same time, the film drew criticism from police officers. It received nominations at the Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards. Pacino earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, while Salt and Wexler received the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.