Norman Mailer told us tough guys don't dance, but in the movies, it's mostly tough guys who do dance. A young guy named Donnie (Johnny Depp) comes in and talks disrespectfully to an older guy named Lefty (Al Pacino). His undercover work helped convict 100 mob members and he now lives with his family in an undisclosed location. The bad guys find out that Donnie/Joe (Johnny Depp) is a snitch. The film, written by Paul Attanasio, is based on the 1988 nonfiction book by Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley.[3]. In May 2007, Donnie Brasco was released on Blu-ray in an extended cut. p 84. Helpful. In response to Brasco's question on why he liked being a gangster Ruggiero said "Donnie, as a wiseguy you can lie, you can cheat, you can steal, you can kill people - legitimately. It's also unlikely he would steal his wife's diamond ring and sell it for money, unless he was that broke, otherwise she'd likely sell it herself. In this movie, Mafia guys don't get away with anything: With them, it's work, work, work, just like with everybody else. After the boss of the family is killed, Sonny receives a promotion, angering Lefty who feels his years of service make him more deserving. FBI special agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) goes undercover in order to infiltrate a New York City mafioso faction.Befrriended by aging hit man Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (), Pistone (using the alias "Donnie Brasco") begins to identify with the mafia life, to the expense of his own.When the FBI decides that it is time to pull the plug on the operation, Donnie realizes that, if he walks away . Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Anne Heche appeared in supporting roles. Black, who was pleased with the business, offered Trafficante part of the operation. Ending Plot More The bad guys find out that Donnie/Joe (Johnny Depp) is a snitch. Not only was it a potential cash cow but his men did not have to be involved in the day-to-day running of the operation. Man has betrayed his best friendnow the dogs will have their day. "[15] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone praised the film, saying that "Donnie Brasco is one terrific movie. Written by undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone. Edit, Mike Newell's mafia drama was released as an extended version initially exclusively in the USA. A lot of the time these guys spend hanging around their social club, playing cards and complaining that business is bad. Edit, Donnie and Lefty head down to the dock where Donnie has been ordered by Sonny Black (Michael Madsen) to kill Sonny Red's (Robert Miano) son Bruno (Brian Tarantina). They settle in the cellar and wait for Sonny Red and his team, whom they eliminate. As if that means anything. Trafficante, Sonny Black and Donnie chat. Pistone is asked by his FBI supervisor to incorporate Miami-based undercover FBI Agent Richie Gazzo into the Donnie Brasco operation. The ending had me HYPED! He was able to see his wife Maggie and their three daughters once every three or four months for a day on average. Over time, Donnie, who transmits his recordings to his superiors, manages to find a place for himself in the organization. What was the significance of the matchbook Sonny gives Lefty just before the boat scene? Because sometimes, your TiVo timer didnt get it quite right, and cut off the crucial final minutes of something that wont get shown again for six months. Mirra told Bonanno bosses that he deserved a cut of Pistones earnings because he had introduced him to the Mob. The film was a box office success, earning $124.9 million against its $35 million budget, and received positive reviews from critics. It's about need. We are going to analyze the narrative elements of the story, as well as the meaning of the final scene, and how it all connects to the true story that inspired the movie and the events depicted in it. Edit, FBI special agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) goes undercover in order to infiltrate a New York City mafioso faction. He develops a relationship with mob hit man. The body of reputed Mafia leader Carmine Galante is covered by New York police detectives here July 12 at a Brooklyn restaurant after Galante and his associate, identified as Nino Cappolla, were shot to death as they ate lunch. Contact me | Privacy policy | Join the mailing list | Links. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. This later leads to the two of them paying a visit to a strip club owner who had originally given Lefty the diamond. Donnie explained the multiple meanings of "fuggetaboutit", "forget about it" in gangster lingo. He tells Brasco of his disappointment at having spent thirty years in the mafia, having killed no less than 26 people and being only a gangster under orders. At the time, Galante was the acting boss of the family when boss Philip Rusty Rastelli was imprisoned. [10] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. The club became the center for loansharking, fencing stolen property, sports betting and a planned Las Vegas gambling night. "[16] Mick LaSalle from the San Francisco Chronicle gave the film a positive review and said that Donnie Brasco was "a first class Mafia thriller. Donnie dismisses it as a fake or "Fugazi." Joe is subsequently given a medal and $500 for his work. Thanks to Ruggiero, Pistone was exonerated and Mirra was sent packing. Edit. Towards the middle of the film,Pacino and Depp are walking downtown, there is alot of traffic and some of the cars are "post 1978" model . FBI agents reveal Donnie's true identity as an undercover FBI agent to Sonny Black. An epilogue then reads, "The evidence collected by 'Donnie Brasco' led to over 200 indictments and 100 convictions. Because sometimes, youre not interested in seeing that movie everyones talking about but are dying to know what the hubbub is about anyway. On August 17, 1981, accepting his fate, Napolitano gave his favorite bartender his jewelry and the keys to his apartment so that his pet pigeons could be looked after. Entertainment Weekly reserved its highest praise for Pacino: "If Donnie Brasco belongs to any actor, though, it's Al Pacino." The film earned $11.6 million from 1,503 theaters during its opening weekend. There's a $500,000 contract on his head. This doesn't seem like common undercover practice. Instead, Ruggiero defended Pistone. The end title cards state that the evidence collected by Pistone in the Donnie Brasco operation led to over 200 indictments and over 100 convictions. Along with fellow undercover agent Edgar Robb, they had the club renovated, installing listening devices and cameras behind the walls. Answer (1 of 15): 1. This last place becomes a fashionable clandestine gambling hall. Too much swearing. The New York crime boss whose family was devastated by the trust it placed in the FBI informant "Donnie Brasco" was convicted on multiple counts of racketeering, arson, extortion, money-laundering . Anything wrong with you, I go down.'' All the members of Sonny Black's crew aside from Donnie were Soldatos.Skipper is another term for a Caporegime "Capo" or Captain. The Top 10 Best Johnny Depp Movies: We look at this eccentric actor's filming career throughout the years. After Pistone was exposed, he was accepted into the US witness protection program and given a new identity. Times were tough even for the Mob, which Pistone and the FBI exploited. Donnie actually knew the diamond was fake and was showing off his knowledge and connections to become a friend of Lefty. Such a bittersweet ending. Lefty can't believe his ears: "You're calling me a dumbski? Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Anne Heche appeared in supporting roles. Pacino's Lefty is a street-smart wise guy, but he lacks that emotional connect a real friendship brings in someone's life. Ruggiero then split his take 50-50 with his capo (captain) Mike Sabella, who finally split his 25-percent with the Bonanno bosses. After the assassination of the family godfather, Sonny Black Napolitano is given a sector to develop while his competitor within the family, Sonny Red Indelicato, is given another sector. It's implied that Lefty (Al Pacino) gets killed. [7], Donnie Brasco was released on DVD in October 2000 as a "special edition" with bonus materials such as commentary tracks. Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. At least one positive about Gentry's aforementioned book is its willingness to dish out completely . Info from onscreen text before the end credits: thanks to Joe's undercover work, many indictments and convictions were made. Answer: Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero suffered from testicular cancer, as well as lung cancer. He also ends up forming a genuine bond with Lefty, who is struggling with family issues and a lifetime of debt. Both Ruggiero and Pistone were summoned for a sit down with Bonanno bosses. Did Donnie really know the diamond was fake? Lefty: Sometimes I think, in that orphanage, they dropped you on your fucking head. Brasco and the FBI planned to arrest Indelicato before the day of the hit, but they were unable to find him. Is it possible to create a concave light? But the movie has many human qualities and contains what will be remembered as one of Pacino's finest scenes. The FAQ items below may give away important plot points. The logical consequence of his rise is that he becomes a freedman. One scene that broke my heart was when they were on the boat in Florida and Lefty wanted to hand an envelope with a funny pun and 100$ in it as a sign of respect, but couldn't reach Santo Trafficante's attention, he wasn't big enough, he didn't matter, and then he saw Sonnie Black introduce Donnie to Santo and act friendly, and he felt betrayed, he felt stepped on, so he shredded the envelope, threw it in the sea and got depressed. His testimony helped a federal grand jury return a seventeen-count indictment against Ruggiero, Black, and other members of the American Mafia. His next contact was Tony Mirra, who was considerably more important in the Mafia hierarchy. The Donnie Brasco operation started in September 1976 and was wrapped up in July 1981. Strong Graphic Violence, Pervasive Strong Language and Brief Nudity and Sexuality, HBOs Rain Dogs Finds Humor, Despair in the Working-Class Mum at its Center, Berlinale Highlights, Part Three: Hummingbirds, Concrete Valley, Afire, The Oneness of All Things: On Sofia Alaouis Animalia, New York International Childrens Film Festival Opens Window to the World. From Florida, he flew to Milwaukee where he testified against Milwaukee crime boss, Balistrieri, and his two sons. As if to make Donnie feel inferior to him. Check out the mistake & trivia books, on Kindle and in paperback. [6], Donnie Brasco premiered in Century City, California on February 24, 1997. Getty ImagesThe body of reputed Mafia leader Carmine Galante is covered by New York police detectives here July 12 at a Brooklyn restaurant after Galante and his associate, identified as Nino Cappolla, were shot to death as they ate lunch. Another Bonanno boss, Joe Massino, was found guilty of ordering his death in 2004. He has a Ph.D. and speaks five languages. Because of this incident and the shooting war being waged between the families, the FBI decided to end the operation. The film proves note-worthy, however, by providing the audience with an in-depth view of characters who are typically portrayed as one-dimensional corrupt law enforcers. He kisses Annette goodnight, and after she goes in her bedroom he sneaks around to a drawer where he keeps his personal items. He didn't freak out because he knew he couldn't outrun this, he was completely calm, stood up, kissed his wife, leaves his jewelry and the car's keys in the house, and then delivered the final line that broke me: "And listen to me, if Donnie calls , tell him if it was gonna be anyone, I'm glad it was him. A war broke out between the rival leaders within the family, which quickly split into two factions. Best Known For: Donnie Brasco was the alias of Joseph Pistone, an undercover FBI agent that infiltrated the Bonanno crime family. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Police officials and witnesses said four men pulled up in a car and opened fire with automatic weapons and shotguns. Black was furious and threatened to kill agent Robb. They then go to the previous owner, who owns a nightclub. Is there a solution to add special characters from software and how to do it, Short story taking place on a toroidal planet or moon involving flying, Calculating probabilities from d6 dice pool (Degenesis rules for botches and triggers). to demonstrate that I knew something about gems. He subsequently takes off all his jewelry and leaves his apartment. Why did FBI show mob at the end that Donnie was an agent. "If I say you're a friend of ours, that means you're a made guy. (Blacks body would be found almost a year later on Aug. 12, 1982). This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. "[9] Metacritic, which assigned a weighted average rating of 76 out of 100, based on 21 critics, reports the film has "generally favorable reviews". [8], Donnie Brasco was released theatrically in North America on February 28, 1997. Pistone was an FBI agent for 17 years, from 1969 until he . JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Donnie Brasco merupakan film drama kriminal arahan sutradara Mike Newell.. Naskahnya ditulis Paul Attanasio, yang mengadaptasi dari buku nonfiksi berjudul Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia karangan Joseph D. Pistone dan Richard Woodley.. Film yang tayang pada 1997 ini dibintangi sejumlah aktor Hollywood ternama seperti Johnny Depp dan Al Pacino. [4] Pacino and Depp were ultimately cast in the co-starring roles, and Pistone was hired as a consultant to help them develop their characters. Something had happened. The FBI decided to finally end Operation Donnie Brasco in mid-1981 after mob bosses ordered Pistone to kill a rival. It is an adaptation of the story of FBI Agent Joseph D. Pistone and his work as an undercover agent infiltrating the Bonanno family, one of the five most important mafia families in New York. I wanted him to be a guy that was a street-smart, street-wise kid the wiseguys would take to and not question too much about his background or his abilities to do what he said he could do, Pistone said. MYSTERY WIRE Former FBI agent Joe Pistone had one of the most harrowing assignments ever handed to an agent - infiltrate New York's feared Bonanno crime family.. Pistone spent six years posing as a mobster named Donnie Brasco inside the Bonanno crime family. Initially, Pistone planned on spending six months inside the Mafia, but it took more than six months just to be introduced to mobsters. The massacre in the basement of Sonny Red is the so-called Three Capos Murder. 1979. "Donnie Brasco" is a film inspired by the lengthy undercover work done by FBI agent Joe Pistone. His expertise varies from Alfred Hitchcock movies to Bleach, as he has explored a lot of fictional Universes and authors. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses.' Donnie Brasco is a 1997 gangster drama film directed by Mike Newell and starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Pistone is aware that the slightest mistake in his work could result in his death or that of his family. Question: Did the real Lefty actually have "cancer of the prick", as was claimed in the movie? Pistones ruse as a good earner, funneling FBI money into Mob hands made him a trusted and respected associate. All right?". He seems uninterested in it. Befrriended by aging hit man Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (Al Pacino), Pistone (using the alias "Donnie Brasco") begins to identify with the mafia life, to the expense of his own. With his family in attendance, Pistone attends a small private ceremony for his service, being awarded a medal and a $500 check. In April 1981, all three rival capos were gunned down and the civil war was quickly over. He was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison but was released on parole in 1992. In Donnie Brasco, Lefty said: "You're still driving a fucking Lincoln when you get there." After growing up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Pistone joined the FBI in 1969 and in 1974 was transferred to the office in New . It only takes a minute to sign up. On Sunday, July 24, 1981, Pistone left the Kings Court for the final time. My main criticism is that the ending feels a bit abrupt, and left me with the feeling there should have been more explanation for the aftermath of the events transpired. Knowing the fatal consequences that await him for unknowingly letting an FBI agent infiltrate the crime family, Lefty leaves behind his valuables and tells his wife that if Donnie calls to tell him "if it was going to be anyone, I'm glad it was him", before he is called to a meeting with his crew. Joe Pistone maintained his cover so convincingly in real life, the Bonanno Family seriously considered "making" him before it was revealed he was an FBI agent. They must prove themselves through this and earning good money to become made. In the August heat they frolicked on the beaches, fetched sticks, played with the children. They get into a scuffle and make a deal for his car stay quiet about the incident. But Donnie and Lefty go down to Florida and meet Richie Gazzo, owner of the Kings Court bar. So, you know, I had no way of getting rid of a wire.. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? A series of meetings were convened over a two-month period. His first contacts were within the Colombo crime family, but they were strictly small-time criminals fencing perfume and leather jackets who didnt have access to the upper echelon mobsters Pistone needed to know. and asked Donnie for $8,000 from his end. Evidence collected by the. Thanks to his conversations with Ruggiero and Black, Pistone gathered enough names to put 120 top Mafiosi behind bars. Donnie Brasco Powered by Reelgood Latest on Donnie Brasco Anne Heche's Off-Screen Infamy Never Outshined Her On-Screen Magnetism By Walter Chaw Aug 13, 2022 429 Shares Our cultural legacy is. In May 1981, Dominick "Sonny Black" Napolitano and Ruggiero killed three of the top members of the opposition and then Napolitano ordered Brasco to kill Anthony "Bruno" Indelicato. Arrived there, Booby asks Donnie to wait in the car. It's an exit that does justice to both the actor and the role, and it leaves an ache in the movie." Pistone also exposed the Mafias drug distribution chain that operated out of pizzerias and other shops within New York. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. "I pretend I'm a widow,'' his wife tells him. They report to the higher ups, and are like mini bosses of their territories and neighborhoods. Pistone's marriage with his wife Maggie continues to worsen due to long absences while undercover, leaving her alone to look after their three daughters. I went in Donnie Brasco completely blind, only two things Iknew were that Pacino and Depp were in it, so I naively expected Pacino to be the boss, the big guy in the room, and Depp his son maybe, something like that. How much the movie actually profits from that, is something, that everybody has to know for themselves. This is the book version of the motion picture by the same name. Boy could I not be more wrong. What is a skipper, wiseguy and connected guy? He was described by the real Joseph Pistone as a 24/7 gangster. The reality of Donnie Brasco is based around the true story of Joe Pistone, an FBI agent that went deep undercover to infiltrate one of the most influential crime families in America back in. Declared brain dead several days ago, following her Aug. 5 fiery car crash in Los Angeles, Heche had been left on a ventilator with her heart beating so she could be evaluated for organ. Big Tony's has been in business since 1973 we first started off in the great city of Boston, Big Tony Sr.s dream was for one day to open up a business with well cooked and quialty food at a low cost to the people. The cigar-smoking Florida boss in the movie is Santo Trafficante, Jr., the boss of the Trafficante family from Tampa, Florida. Lefty cant make money, his son is a drug addict, and hes constantly disappointed that he wont be considered for promotion to a higher position in the family. house. It is an adaptation of the story of FBI Agent Joseph D. Pistone and his work as an undercover agent infiltrating the Bonanno family, one of the five most important mafia families in New York. It's implied that Lefty (Al Pacino) gets killed. It took a while but eventually, he calmed down. Which in the movie are Lefty's last words. Separate from membership, this is to get updates about mistakes in recent releases. Joseph Pistone now has to hide under a false name and live with a $500,000 contract on his head. Brasco argued that he should stay until December when his membership into the family would be decided, but the FBI disagreed. As I look at the ravaged state of New Yorks Five Families and its Mafia Commission today, I feel more than satisfied that my unfinished business is finally finished. The above quote was made by former undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone, better known by his alias Donnie Brasco. about it. Ruggiero was a made man in the infamous Bonanno crime family and although low-level, he was well-known. Big Tony's has always had a passion for cooking . Special agent Joseph Pistone lives with his wife under an assumed name in a undisclosed location." How did Brian Cruikshank know that Hamilton Bartholomew was really Carson Dyle? The movie opens in a New York coffee shop that's a hangout for the mob. Pistone infiltrates the Bonanno crime family in New York City during. He's tall, tough, relentless--and scared, too, because when he gets bumped up a notch, the job includes a $50,000 monthly payment to the guy above him. He takes him under his wing, and by vouching for him, Donnie is quickly accepted by the other members of the family and becomes an associate. [4] Stephen Frears was initially hired as director for the film, but when Goodfellas, another mob film, was released in 1990, the planning for the film was pushed back. Donnie is an associate, as he is not a member and proving to the Bonannos he is a good earner.Wiseguy is a soldier or Soldato a made man in a crime family. At the end of the film, Lefty leaves behind his valuables and tells his wife that if Donnie calls to tell him if it was going to be anyone, Im glad it was him, before he is called to a meeting with his crew, thinking he will be executed for bringing a mole into the family. More than once, New York Mob member "Lefty" (Al Pacino), brags to Johnny Depp (playing an undercover FBI agent) all he has done (hits) for the Mob: "So when they open the books, the. But in January 1981, on the night of the Las Vegas function, the police raided Knights Court. It is an adaptation of the story of FBI Agent Joseph D. Pistone and his work as an undercover agent infiltrating the Bonanno family, one of Donnie Brasco Ending Explained: Explaining the True Story Behind the Movie Read More Edit, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia (1988) is an autobiographical account by former FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (assisted in the writing by Richard Woodley), detailing the years that Pistone lived undercover with the mafia. Then leaves and goes to die. Lefty urges Donnie to make the kill just as the FBI show up and whisk away both Donnie and Lefty, while Lefty yells to Donnie, 'Don't tell them anything!' The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. 2. Which some say was a set up to be killed, and was intercepted and arrested. In the film, some of the men in the mob are referred to as a skipper, connected guy or wiseguy. He targeted bars and restaurants he knew were frequented by certain mob members until one day he got into a conversation with Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero. It was touch and go for 11 days, but she pulled through. What are the differences between the theatrical version and Special Edition? Lefty sees his plan to become a caporegime collapse and resents Donnie. He's also the author of several books and the co-owner of a production company. While Pistone was in Florida, Bonanno boss Carmine Galante was murdered in the courtyard of a Brooklyn restaurant. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Because sometimes, the surprise spoiler ending is the only reason youd pay $11 to see what is otherwise a turkey of a film. Lefty Ruggiero in my mind was the ultimate wiseguy. Johnny Depp might have played Donnie Brasco in the Academy Award-nominated film, but the real-life hero is Joe Pistone. Lefty believes Donnie betrayed him and cuts ties with him until Lefty's son nearly dies of an overdose and Donnie is the only one who comes to comfort him. But by then, he'd already gathered enough intel to blow up the Mafia, figuratively speaking. "[19], According to Charles Taylor in his review for Salon.com, both Pacino and Depp are "in top form"; in remarking on Pacino's frequent collaborations with younger actors (Sean Penn, John Cusack), Taylor called Donnie Brasco "the best in this series of duets" and singled out Pacino's skills: "His final scene is all the more heartbreaking for the economy of gesture and feeling he brings it. Starring: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Anne Heche, Bruno Kirby. Eventually all of the threads, personal and criminal, come down to one moment when Lefty either will or will not act on what he knows, or thinks he knows. All rights reserved. #1, Donnie is an FBI agent, only the prosecutors can offer Lefty a deal. NTL Movieclips Bandes Annonces. If I introduce you, I'm responsible for you. Donnie Brasco 1997 | Maturity Rating: 16+ | 2h 6m | Dramas An undercover FBI agent infiltrates a New York Mafia family and develops a close friendship with a mob hitman, putting his job and life on the line. Every time I see a Mafia movie, I wonder how any Mafiosi can still be alive, given the rate of sudden, violent attrition and the willingness to shoot first and find out the rest of the facts later. Edit, It was a King's Court matchbox, from the club Lefty was trying to open without Sonny knowing. | By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. It was given a wide release in North America on February 28, 1997. Sonny Black becomes the new boss and orders Donnie to kill Sonny Red's son, Bruno, so that Donnie can officially become a member of their family. He then puts on his sunglasses and goes out the door. Edit, In the end of Donnie Brasco. Brasco maneuvers his way into the confidence of an aging Mafia hitman, Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), who vouches for him. Gazzo is, in fact, an undercover FBI agent working with Donnie. The latter then asks Lefty to find the mole and eliminate it. All Rights Reserved. Rated R The Bonannos blamed Black and Ruggiero for letting an informant into their ranks. In the early days, Pistone didnt wear a wire because I was with these guys on a daily or nightly basis. User Reviews Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain. There was no question of refusal, so Brasco would either manipulate himself out of the hit at a later date or, if that proved too difficult, the FBI would stage a fake killing. The site's critical consensus reads, "A stark, nuanced portrait of life in organized crime, bolstered by strong performances from Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Movies & TV Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for movie and TV enthusiasts. As the crew runs a series of successful shakedowns and hijackings in the city, Pistone exploits his position as Lefty's associate to gather information for the FBI via wiretap recordings. The book was adapted for the screenplay by American screenwriter Paul Attanasio. Pistone works as a writer and as a consultant to various law enforcement agencies around the world. rev2023.3.3.43278. Prosecutions began in 1982. The second one, however, seems risky and careless. Now in his sixth year undercover in the Mob, Pistone had already gone deeper into the Mafia than any undercover agent. An IMDB check reminds me I haven't liked a single movie either has had a hand in. It seemed like he was trying to be kind, but he basically said that the guy never went back to normal and lost everything (though I have no idea whether he was taken care of or given a different position with the government). Around Donnie alone, Lefty played like a big shot, taught him everything he needed to know in order to enter in the family, mentored him, because he wanted to feel important, while he really wasn't.