Donnie Brasco
(TriStar) Director: Mike NewellProducers: Mark Johnson, Barry Levinson, Louis DiGiaimo, Gail Mutrux
Executive Producers: Patrick McCormick, Alan Greenspan
Screenwriter: Paul Attanasio, based on book by Joseph D. Pistone, with Richard Woodley
Director of Photography: Peter Sova
Cast: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Anne Heche, Zeljko Ivanek, Gerry Becker, Zach Grenier, Brian Tarantina, Robert Miano
Quick Review: DONNIE BRASCO is a pleasant surprise -- the best mob film since GOODFELLAS. It's the true story of an FBI agent (Johnny Depp) who goes undercover and befriends a mid-level hood (Al Pacino). It's hard to explain why these films have such appeal. There's something about the camaraderie, the subculture, the constant threat of violence, and the cadence of the dialogue. What makes this one work is the relationship between the stars. For years, Johnny Depp has wanted to be taken seriously as an actor. He finally found the vehicle and the partner in crime to put it all together. Pacino does for Depp what Brando did for Pacino -- give him a chance to interact at the highest level.
Rating (on a four-star scale):
Interview with Johnny Depp.
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