The Encyclopedia of Hollywood states that Lumet was one of the most prolific directors of the modern era, making more than one movie per year on average since his directorial debut in 1957. He is noted by Turner Classic Movies for his "strong direction of actors", "vigorous storytelling" and the "social realism" in his best work, and critic Roger Ebert describes him as having been "one of the finest craftsmen and warmest humanitarians among all film directors." Lumet became known as an "actor's director," having worked with the best of them during his career, probably more than "any other director."
Lumet began his career as an Off Broadway director, then became a highly efficient TV director. His first movie was typical of his best work: a well-acted, tightly written, deeply considered "problem picture," 12 Angry Men (1957). Since then, Lumet has divided his energies among other idealistic problem pictures along with literate adaptations of plays and novels, big stylish pictures, and New York-based black comedies. As a result of directing 12 Angry Men, he was also responsible for leading the first wave of directors who made a successful transition from TV to movies. For being one of the most reliable and dependable directors of the last half-century, in 2005 he received an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement for his "brilliant services to screenwriters, performers, and the art of the motion picture." Two years later, Lumet concluded his career with the acclaimed drama Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007). Lumet died aged 86 on April 9, 2011 in his residence in Manhattan, New York from lymphoma.
Serpico is a 1973 American crime film directed by Sidney Lumet. It is based on the true story of New York City policeman Frank Serpico, who went undercover to expose the corruption of his fellow officers, after being pushed to the brink at first by their distrust and later by the threats and intimidation they leveled against him. It stars Al Pacino, John Randolph and Tony Roberts.
Serpico is hailed as a classic. Pacino's performance in the movie is widely considered as one of his best. His role as Frank Serpico is ranked at #40 on the American Film Institute's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains list. The film is also ranked at #84 on the AFI's 100 Years... 100 Cheers, a list of America's Most Inspiring Movies.
The original music theme was composed by Mikis Theodorakis, nominated for both a Grammy and a BAFTA award. Its Greek name is Dromoi Palioi.
Mikis (Michael) Theodorakis (born July 29, 1925, Greek island of Chios) is one of the most popular Greek songwriters and composers, probably best known for his songs and for his scores for the films Zorba the Greek (1964), Z (1969), and Serpico (1973).
Politically, he identified with the left until the late 1980s; in 1989, he ran as an independent candidate. In 1990 he was elected to the parliament (as in 1964 and 1981), became a government minister, and fought against drugs and terrorism and for culture, education and better relations between Greece and Turkey. He continues to speak out in favor of left-liberal causes. He has consistently opposed oppressive regimes and was the key voice against the Greek Junta 1967-1974, which imprisoned him. He has been mentioned as a candidate for the election as President of Greece, but he has refused to be considered.
Theodorakis has written more than 1,000 songs and song-cycles, whose melodies have become part of the heritage of Greek music. His song cycles are based on poems by famous Greek authors, as well as by Lorca and Neruda.
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