Al Pacino’s best acting performance? Some might say “Scent of a Woman,” others “The Godfather II.” More avid fans might say “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Heat” or even “The Insider.”

But Pacino’s performance in “Serpico” is the hidden gem – and probably the best – of the bunch.

While “The Godfather” may have made Pacino a star, it was “Serpico” that proved he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. Pacino was nominated for his first Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Frank Serpico, a cop determined to resist and fight the rampant corruption in the New York City police force.

His role in “Serpico” is free of the staples that now epitomize Pacino: the hoarse voice, the rage fits and the over-the-top acting that would spawn from the success of his role in the 1983 film, “Scarface.”

“Serpico” proves that when he wasn’t yelling “Whoo-ah,” or other excessive rants, Pacino could be subtle and also one of the best actors to ever grace the screen.