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There’s a plethora of mob movies in the film industry, fromThe GodfathertoCasinoandBlack MasstoThe Irishman.The gangster genre in films is exactly that, within cinema, which focuses on organized crime, usually involving the Mafia and criminal gangs. The gangster films are typically centered around Italian Americans with financial struggles, resulting in them breaking the law to ensure economic stability. The films, for the most part, are based on true stories with a few alterations for dramatic effect. They revolve around the most notorious crime organization in America. One that comes to mind isDonnie Brasco, starringAl Pacinoand Johnny Depp in 1997.
The true story was based on Joseph Pistone (Depp), an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the Bonanno family crime organization in the 1970s using the alias Donnie Brasco. Set in New York, Depp’s character befriends Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero (Al Pacino), the mob’s hitman. Pacino gave a once-in-a-lifetime performance in the film, which is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year.
During an appearance on theMegyn Kelly Showin 2023, former mafia member Michael Franzese discussed the accuracy of the film in representing mob life and the agents that take the risk of infiltrating these organizations. He also discussed the public fascination with wanting more films within the mob world and the connection between Hollywood and the mob.
The True Story of ‘Donnie Brasco’
Donnie Brasco
The 1997 film tells the true story of FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Depp) as he goes undercover to infiltrate the Bonanno family’s crime organization. Using the alias Donnie Brasco, Pistone’s backstory was that of a young jewel thief when he meets Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), who decides to take him under his wing and take on the mentor role. As Leftyintroduces Donnie to the mob world, the film reveals that he’s still experiencing economic hardship and familial struggles even though he’s a top member.Lefty is loyal to the family, and when he’s overlooked for a leadership position, he feels betrayed.
Pacino’s character continuously proves that he’s ready to take on more within the organization and that the top members can trust him and his judgment. However, Sonny Black (Michael Madsen) incessantly undermines him and his efforts. The real betrayal comes from Depp’s character when he begins to work closely with Black to make progress in his infiltration, and the tension between the two grows. Bygones are bygones when Donnie helps Lefty with a drug overdose involving his son. The film captures theviolence of the mobworld and the risk of living in an unpredictable atmosphere.
Michael Franzese’s Connection to ‘Donnie Brasco’
During the interview with Megyn Kelly,Franzese revealed that he developed a friendship with the real-life Pistone. He had great respect for his undercover work and the courage to take on a dangerous job that not many people can do.
He was an undercover agent, he was doing his job, and he did his job better than we did ours.
He saluted Pistone’s efforts and how he approached his work, which was surprising, given that it was a betrayal.
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You don’t get mad at a guy when they’re not framing you, when they’re doing their job and they outgun you.
He also praised Pacino’s performance as “Lefty” Ruggiero and said that out of all his impressive films, it was the best performance he had ever seen, especially as someone who knew the real-life person.
I knew Lefty fairly well, and he just nailed it.
Franzese seemingly confirmed that this mob film was themost accurate representation of real-life events.
The World’s Fascination With the Mob
During his sit-down with Megyn Kelly, Franzese shockingly mentioned Hollywood’s possible connection to the mafia. There have beenspeculations surrounding Hollywood’s nefarious dealingsthroughout the years, but the confirmation of an overlap coming from Franzese was interesting, to say the least. He gave insight into who was in contact with whom but didn’t specify what the extent of the relationship was.
Jimmy Kahn was very close with my one-time captain Andrew Russo. Lenny Montana, who played Luca Brasi inThe Godfather, was very close with me and we were together out here on the West Coast before he passed away.
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The mob genre has a strong following and a fascination for understanding how someone chooses to go down the path of a criminal and how these figures go from point A to point B.Depp and Pacino’s performances inDonnie Brascoare remarkable, and you find yourself fully immersed in the story. The best thing aboutthe gangster genreis that you find yourself questioning whether you would make the same decisions as the characters in the film. The reality is that life isn’t black and white, and the films that fall under the umbrella of the genre do an excellent job of portraying that.Donnie Brascois streaming onPhilo.
