Donnie Brasco (1997)

An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at 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 3 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Al Pacino	...	Lefty
Johnny Depp	...	Donnie
Michael Madsen	...	Sonny
Bruno Kirby	...	Nicky
James Russo	...	Paulie
Anne Heche	...	Maggie
Zeljko Ivanek	...	Tim Curley (as Zeljko Ivanek)
Gerry Becker	...	Dean Blandford FBI
Robert Miano	...	Sonny Red
Brian Tarantina	...	Bruno
Rocco Sisto	...	Richie Gazzo
Zach Grenier	...	Dr. Berger
Walt MacPherson	...	Sheriff
Ronnie Farer	...	Annette
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 led 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 | fbi agent | money | racial slur | 

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Taglines:

In 1978, the US government waged a war against organized crime. One man was left behind the lines.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

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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:

Donnie Brasco

Filming Locations:

Chambers Paper Fibers, Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,660,216, 2 March 1997, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$41,909,762

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$124,909,762

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

To prepare for his role, Johnny Depp met with the actual Joseph D. Pistone several times, and took shooting lessons from the FBI.

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Goofs

When Donnie is first introduced to the wise guys standing out in the cold, a Lincoln Town Car pulls up. When it stops, it's a Lincoln Mark 6.

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Quotes

[Lefty is banging a parking meter very loudly with a hammer, on a table in a bar]
Sonny Black: Hey, will you fuckin' stop that?
Lefty: How am I gonna get this thing open?
[looks back at the meter]
Lefty: Open Sesame!

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Connections

Featured in The 70th Annual Academy Awards (1998)

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Soundtracks

Just Around the Corner
(1980)
Written by Herbie Hancock and Melvin Ragin
Performed by Herbie Hancock
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

User Reviews

"Fergeddaboudid!"

For a movie that's only three years old Donnie Brasco isn't something people talk about all that much. Not exactly setting the box office alight, it's further proof that great pictures don't always translate into great financial concerns.

Maybe it's the nondescript title - "Donnie Brasco" is hardly awe-inspiring and gives little indication of what the film is about. It turns out Donnie is the undercover name for Joe Pistone (Depp), a FBI agent investigating the Mafia. He makes a connection with "Lefty" (Pacino), which, while his initial integration into the group seems to lack conviction, soon builds up a watchable father-son relationship. Criticisms of the film - such as the forced nature of Pistone's behaviour becoming absorbed into the Mafia mindset - are largely irrelevant as this is a "based on a true story" outing.

Engrossing and eminently watchable, with first-rate lead performances and able back-up from Michael Madsen, this is an overlooked and extremely worthwhile film. The only complaint? Depp's first scenes, wearing the most fake-looking moustache in the history of the movies. But it detracts little from what is a highly skilled picture. So Fergeddaboudid!