Prince of the City (1981)

What Made Him Turn?
I just saw it. It wasn't bad, but also wasn't the most entertaining movie I've ever seen. Perhaps, "entertaining" was not the cheif objective here. A lot of work went into it obviously, and I could appreciate that, though at times the movie was kind of a frustrating ordeal, not only for the main character but for me as well. It was hard to really feel his need for redemption to begin with. We know he's somewhat on the take, in the beginning, but we're not really brought to the point of feeling the anguish that brings him to want to turn informant. This happens soon after the movie begins and we're left reeling in the next two plus hours with his decision. Really, we are given a few brief incidents (he helps a junkie get smack, and his own brother accuses him of too lavish a lifestyle) - then bam - he wants to talk to the D.A.

Through endless court indictments and the eventual revealing of his own misdeeds, we learn about some of the things which may have brought New York cop, Danny Ciello, to the point of wanting to turn informant (though by that point in the movie he's probably regretting having done so). But telling is one thing. Showing is another. I'd have sympathized more with his whole struggle if I'd been SHOWN stronger reason in the beginning for his wanting to turn, which in the eyes of his colleagues, and even the viewers at times, seems like a weak betrayal - perhaps a character problem rather than an issue of conscience.

As an idea, the dilemma is readily apparent (between what he and indeed the whole legal system deem is right, and the practical realities of the street). Prince of the City is the study of a man who makes an incredibly daring decision and the aftermath that follows. While on an emotional level, it never completely made me understand his decision, it does explore an issue well worth exploring and leaves us to reach our own conclusions.

great
i heard of this movie but i never had a chance to watch it. this is a must see cop movie.

Wow! New found respect for Treat Williams.
Being a huge fan of the 70's cop/crook films like Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, French Connection, Dirty Harry (to name a few) I was interested in seeing Prince of the City. Although it's technically not a 70's film (it's from 1981) It was directed by Sidney Lumet (Who also dir. Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, and Network) So I knew it would be in the same style. After finally getting the dvd. I was not disappointed.

My biggest surprise was Treat Williams. I always thought of him as a joke. He was "that guy" who took over Tom Berenger's role in the direct to video sequels of The Substitute. Or that guy from Dead Heat with Joe Piscopo. Heck! I always thought his best role was from Once Upon A Time In America. PotC completely changed my mind. This is a one man show for Treat Williams. I cannot believe he wasn't awarded for this film. I can't even believe this role didn't make him a star.

PotC is about a cop (Treat Williams) who decides to talk. He feels bad about the stuff he's been doing. He doesn't like the corrupted life style he leads. So he goes to the New York City Police Corruption Investigations for help. Thats where the film really starts up. We get to witness one of the greatest character studies on film. Treat refuses to give up his partners. He won't do that. So the Corruption Department splits up his squad. Now Treat can target whoever he wants. All he has to do is wear a wire. This is one of the most realistic cop films i've ever seen. We see every dirty little detail. And of course, not everything goes as planned.

My only gripe about the film is the length. At 2 hours, 46 minutes. It can get a little slow. The film is almost pure talk. But it's interesting, well written, and moves the story/characters along nicely. Maybe I was expecting a little action here or their (see French Connection, or Bullitt) or maybe I'm just used to the fast pace of more recent crime films like The Departed. The pace reminded me of Finchers Zodiac (great film, wait of the directors cut though) It didn't have a clear first act, a second act, or a third act. It was just telling a story. I love that style of filmmaking (see The Man Who Fell To Earth for a great example)

The bottom line, this film should be watched, studied, and given it's righful do. This really is a hidden masterpiece. I still can't believe this didn't make Treat Williams famous.