7 of 10
Cinematography by Peter Sova
Al Pacino
Johnny Depp
Michael Madsen
James Russo
Anne Heche
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| Donnie Brasco 7 of 10 |
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| Directed by Mike Newell Cinematography by Peter Sova Al Pacino Johnny Depp Michael Madsen James Russo Anne Heche |
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| This is a tough, hard-hitting film, and one that is actually based on a true story. Johnny Depp stars as FBI Agent Joe Pistone, alias Donnie Brasco, who infiltrates the notorious Bonanno mob family in one of the most successful undercover operations in the history of the FBI. And Depp is really excellent, (which is probably always true). He does a great job showing how it is that a good, law-abiding man could become attached to people that are doing really bad things. And its because, even though they are doing horrible things, they are still good, misguided men. Pacino is a real scene stealer as Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggerio, who takes Donnie under his wing and vouches for him, thus taking the responsibility of Depp's eventual betrayal upon himself. And the story is compelling, especially when you realize that it's true. Pistone must have had a terrible couple of years. From a directing and visual standpoint, the film is relatively average. Depp and Pacino, however, raise it above the average. My only real objection is that the film makes it very difficult to sympathize with the good guys. There is a scene where the FBI awards a medal to Pistone for his work in breaking up the mob, even while he continues to worry about Lefty. And the FBI people really don't seem to care at all that he is struggling. Which makes the mobsters looks better than they do; always a bad thing when your mobsters look like the good guys. Oh. Also, Heche is completely unbelievable. Not sure why her character is even there. | ||||||