Donnie Brasco
A true story about FBI agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) and his infiltration into the New York mafia syndicate. Pistone assumes the identity of Donnie Brasco a small time jeweler and befriends Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). Lefty is a loyal member of the faction led by Sonny Black (Michael Madsen) and helps Brasco gain their trust. Lefty looks after Brasco as if he is his protege and Brasco in turn becomes a valued member of the organisation. As Brasco continues his long time investigation he has to sacrifice his home life including spending time with his wife and children. Brasco starts to lose grip of his previous life as he is sucked into the life of a gangster resulting in suspicion from his handlers and his wife.
It is almost confusing seeing Depp play a serious role as he has predominantly resided in eccentric comical characters of late. Yet his acting list boasts some very impressive dramatic performances such as Secret Window, Finding Neverland and Chocolat showcasing his versatility as an actor. Depp's performance was perfect as the multilayered character of Brasco/Pistone displaying the internal struggle Pistone went through when assuming a new identity whilst all the while trying to stay true to his own true identity. Ultimately this is a story of dedication where Pistone selfishly gave up everything, completely engrossing himself in the brutal world of the mafia.
At first glance Pacino's performance is very familiar playing a violent, wise cracking gangster with a fiery temper. Pacino has almost become typecast in this gangster role as it is his performances in films such as The Godfather and Scarface that helped establish his as a legendary actor. Pacino's character in Donnie Brasco is still a wise cracking gangster and he does constantly brag about his 26 hits however he is not an overly aggressive character and there is certainly more to his character than one might expect.
Pacino expertly demands sympathy from the audience and as the movie continues you can't help but feel sorry for Lefty as he is destined to be tragically taken down by the FBI due to Brasco's collection of evidence. The most sympathetic aspect to Lefty is the fact that he becomes so close to Brasco, the most moving scene in the film comes when Lefty cries on Brasco's shoulder due to his son being in hospital for a drug overdose. It is evident that Brasco has become more than just a friend to Lefty he has become like a son. Is is Pistone's relationship with Lefty that causes so much confusion with his investigation, for he wasn't prepared to see these brutal gangsters expressing such human emotions. Brasco no longer sees these men as names on page that have to be taken down, he sees them for what they really are, men just like him.
It is evident that Pistone's relationship with Lefty in real life has influenced the characterisation in the film as Lefty is shown to be a caring father and a loyal friend. Lefty is depicted as a generous mentor who takes Brasco under his wing teaching him the lessons of how to be a 'wise guy' with quotable advise such as "A wise guy's always right even when he's wrong he's right". Although the line between good and bad is blurred the viewer is always reminded as to who is the hero and who is he villain.
This is a film showcasing two very strong performances in two very unique roles. This remarkable true story shows the sacrifice and perseverance of Agent Pistone and the complexity of his duties as an informant. The film displays a very honest account of Pistone's assignment as well as an authentic perception of the gangster Lefty Ruggiero. I urge you not to overlook this film as another run of the mill gangster film as it offers originality and engaging insight.
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