Melissa Ann

Plot:

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

Cast:

Al Pacino as Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero

Johnny Depp as Donnie Brasco / Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone

Michael Madsen as Sonny Black

Bruno Kirby as Nicky

James Russo as Paulie

Anne Heche as Maggie Pistone

lynaem

I thought JD was good in this, but i couldn't stop starring at his hair, and wondering if it was a wig or his hair.

Also i couldn't stand Al Pacino/Lefty

Melissa Ann

^^^ Lefty is supposed to be annoying, that's how he was, he was a suck up who wanted to be in deeper than he was, but he screwed up all the time so they kept tabs on him.

harleyq

This one of my favorite JD films, I thought he did an amazing job. Though I'm not much of a Pacino fan, I thought he was ok too, annoying as he was. The odd thing is I read Joe Pistone's book and he really liked and spent more time with Sonny than he did Lefty. I mean, he was with a bunch of different guys, working his way up the ladder, but I thought Sonny was a much more interesting character.

I know books to film bring changes, which makes sense, but it would be really interesting to know how they made some of the decisions on this one.

Melissa Ann

I agree Harley. I've read the book also and of course, things are changed for entertainment purposes, but to a lot of people, Al Pacino is like 'the mob' actor you know, Godfather and all, so I think that is why they changed it up and gave Lefty more of a role than he really had.

bychance

I finally saw this movie. What a great film. Johnny of course, turned in a very good performance.

Why do you think he's annoying? Just curious.

biubiu

Haha, I don like Pacino either, just you have said, he is sort of annoying.
Johnny looks great in this movie.

fluffybunny

This is one of my favourite Johnny films. I love his performance in it, and it's a bonus for me, with Al being in it, too (another of my favourite actors). I love the humour in it, amongst the violence etc. There are some brilliant lines, and a few have just popped into my head, now! I hope I'll be able to watch it again soon.

Melissa Ann

It's also based on the book that Joe Pistone wrote based on his time as Donnie.

I would like to read that because I think it would go into more detail.

Street Spirit

This really is a great movie. One of my favorites from Johnny.

But, as always, it's been awhile since I've seen it so a re-watch is in order.

Melissa Ann

It's on TV all the time here. I always like to tune in, it's a great movie.

Melissa Ann

I watched "You Don't Know Jack", the biopic about Dr. Death aka Dr. Jack Kevorkian who was in favour of euthanasia for all.

Al Pacino played Jack, and looking at him in that role made me want to watch this one again.

I have to say that when Al plays a real life character, he really makes you believe he is that person. It was remarkable.

Brucas4life

I think this thread get lost a long way back

fluffybunny

That's a shame! Thanks for bumping. I love this film. Two of my all-time fave actors are in it (I adore Al Pacino), and there are brilliant performances all round. I love the humour in this often brutal film, too. I find the balance to be just right.

Melissa Ann

Made a new banner for the OP.