When One Is A Warrior In The Field. Watching Films "Serpico" And "Pride And Glory" With A Psychologist - Reviews

2023 Author: Oswald Adamson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 20:18

Can one remain a warrior in the field? Is a healthy element able to change a dysfunctional system? Is it possible that one is right and the majority is not? The answer is "yes" - this is what unites the films "Serpico" and "Pride and Glory", filmed 35 years apart, in different eras. Different generations took part in the creation of the films, and they were addressed to different generations of viewers, but the topics remain relevant today - judging by the high rating of the films.

• Film "Serpico". Italy, USA, 1973
• Director: Sidney Lumet
• Starring: Al Pacino
• Film "Pride and Glory". USA, Germany, 2007
• Director: Gavin O'Connor
• Starring: Colin Farrell, Edward Norton

The dysfunctional system in both films is a corrupt police force. Both Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) in the film of the same name, and Ray (Edward Norton) in the second film are honest cops, sincerely dedicated to their life's work. Unexpectedly, they discover that not all colleagues share these values. Those whom they considered to be their comrades-in-arms and friends turn out to be liars, bribe-takers, rapists and even murderers. A confrontation arises between a single element and the system: naturally, it is dangerous for the element.

If the element does not match the system, there are not many options for the development of an event:

1. The system changes it for itself (Frank and Ray are trying to bribe, then intimidate and even substitute).
2. The system destroys the different element because it starts to pose a threat to it (and such attempts also occur).
3. The system rejects the element (in both films, rebellious heroes are persuaded to voluntarily quit their jobs).
4. And in isolated cases, an element is able to trigger a change in the entire system. But this is the rarest and most difficult option, it requires many personal qualities: perseverance, courage, courage, field independence, etc.

But it is really possible: a loner can turn out to be stronger than many, and not just withstand the confrontation, but win. The story of Frank Serpico is proof of that. Yes, the film "Serpico" is based on absolutely real events! Moreover, the real Frank Serpico is still alive, and even despite his advanced age, he continues to work to control the activities of the police. Serpico's personality has long become legendary for American police officers, and gained wide popularity after the release of the film.

By the way, Serpico himself personally helped Al Pacino prepare for this role. And when the actor asked the policeman what helped him withstand and make the right decision, he replied: “I don’t know myself … I guess I just cannot trade my conscience”.

In the 60s, the New York police were an unhealthy corrupt system, and the young police officer Frank Serpico did not agree to live like this and decided to remain honest and decent. Moreover, he tried to change this system of "legalized racketeering" by challenging those in power. Neither persuasion, nor bribery, nor threats, including attempted life and serious injury, stopped him.

But the system resisted the changes, and only an open interview with the New York Times helped to get things off the ground: the article caused a sensation and received huge public support, the mayor could not ignore the published facts. The result was massive layoffs, investigations, and the creation of a special Commission to monitor police activities. The US police system itself has radically changed. How was a loner able to withstand this confrontation and win?

The filmmakers of Serpico reveal his doubts, suffering and fear. Al Pacino masterfully and convincingly shows the viewer what is happening in the soul of his hero, and it touches. If Serpico were unaware of fear and doubt, he would look like a fool, a fanatic, or a fictional superman from a comic book. But he is the same person as the viewer: he doubts, is tormented, afraid. But it keeps going forward! And this is what evokes respect and even admiration.

What helps him when there are no external resources in the form of support and protection? Internal resources: a value system that Serpico believes in and follows. This is the so-called "inner truth", which becomes for him a coordinate system and support. If an individual element feels "inner truth", this resource may be enough for him to trigger changes in the dysfunctional system.

And the same thing happens with Ray - the hero of the film "Pride and Glory", filmed almost 35 years later. If he starts the fight against corruption and reveals the truth, this will entail many consequences: he may be prosecuted, his brother's career will be under attack, the family will be disgraced … But at a difficult point he makes the right choice. Edward Norton shows the viewer how his hero comes to the "inner truth" and holds on to it.

We talked about what both films have in common. Now let's talk about the differences.

I would highlight the difference in emphasis: on action and on experience. Perhaps this is due to the difference between the eras when the films were filmed: modern cinema follows the path of development of action, saturation of the plot with events - fights, shootings, chases.

In the cinema of the 70s, the action was less dynamic, and more importance was attached to the experiences of the characters. Therefore, in terms of their atmosphere and the so-called "emotional sediment" films are different, their perception depends on the preferences of the viewer. But in any case, heroes who follow the "inner truth" and preserve their nobility in the most difficult circumstances command respect.

What to do when your “inner truth” goes against your circumstances? It is still important to find outside support. Sometimes this is not possible in the system to which you belong. And then you need to find it in another "aquarium". For example, Serpico turned to journalists, and Ray found understanding from a strict but fair father.