Donnie Brasco (1997)

An FBI undercover agent infilitrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life to the expense of his regular one.

Director:

Mike Newell

Writers:

Joseph D. Pistone (book), Richard Woodley (book),

Stars:

Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Al Pacino	...	Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero
Johnny Depp	...	Donnie Brasco / Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone
Michael Madsen	...	Sonny Black
Bruno Kirby	...	Nicky
James Russo	...	Paulie
Anne Heche	...	Maggie Pistone
Zeljko Ivanek	...	Tim Curley
Gerry Becker	...	Agent Dean Blandford FBI
Robert Miano	...	Sonny Red
Brian Tarantina	...	Bruno
Rocco Sisto	...	Richard 'Richie' Gazzo
Zach Grenier	...	Dr. Berger
Walt MacPherson	...	Sheriff
Ronnie Farer	...	Annette Ruggiero
Terry Serpico	...	Strip Club Owner

Storyline

This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction lead by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big time when Black himself becomes a boss, all the while Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.

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Plot Keywords:

mafia | fbi | undercover | fbi agent | mole | 

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Taglines:

Donnie Brasco. Based On A True Story.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong graphic violence, pervasive strong language and brief nudity and sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian Japanese

Release Date:

28 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Brasco

Filming Locations:

59th Street Bridge, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$11,660,216 (USA) (28 February 1997)

Gross:

$41,954,997 (USA) (13 June 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mandalay Entertainment, Baltimore Pictures, Mark Johnson Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min 147 min (extended cut)

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

At various points Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Andy Garcia were all previously attached to star; Stephen Frears to direct.

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Goofs

During a conversation between Lefty and 'Donnie', Lefty complains that the temperature is only 10 degrees. If this were so, his breath would be visible.

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Quotes

Nicky: The good news is, my dick is now a popsicle!

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Robert De Niro/Destiny's Child (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Working My Way Back To You"
(1979)
Written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell
Performed by The Spinners
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Gangster movie No. 1

In a world filled with overheated, and frequently overpraised, gangster movies, it seems to me that Mike Newell's 'Donnie Brasco', the story of a cop who goes undercover to infiltrate the mob, is arguably overlooked. Based on real life events, it contains great performances from Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, a complex but coherent plot, addresses universal themes (divided loyalties, the evolution of human relationships and behaviour) and the ending is genuinely moving. Perhaps it's not fast-paced enough for devotees of the genre; more likely it "fails" this audience for its very success in portraying the mafia as fundamentally pathetic, whereas most gangster pictures at least partly buy into the glamorous myth. But for me, this a superior film to Scorcese's 'Goodfellas', with a faint note of very black comedy that sounds behind the slaughter. Recommended.