The gangster who conquered the world

The name Al Pacino has become synonymous with cinematic excellence, one of the most revered actors in the history of cinema. Pacino’s career, spanning over five decades, represents a masterclass in acting, demonstrating his incredible range, intensity, and passion for his craft. His life is as captivating as the characters he has portrayed on screen.

Childhood in New York

Alfredo James Pacino, who turned 85 on April 25, was born to Italian immigrant descendants Salvatore and Rose Pacino. His parents divorced when he was two years old. Raised in the South Bronx by his mother, grandmother, and grandfather, Pacino grew up in a troubled neighborhood where the hardships of daily life shaped his character and ambitions. His mother had a significant influence on him, fostering his early love for art, especially theater.

Pacino’s school years were tumultuous; he showed little interest in traditional education and dropped out at the age of 17. These years were filled with determination to pursue an acting career. Honing his craft at the Herbert Berghof Studio, where he studied under the legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg, Pacino worked odd jobs to support himself. It was at this studio that he developed the acting technique that would later define his career. 

The road to fame: key roles

Pacino’s big breakthrough came in 1969 when he landed a role in the play “The Indian Wants the Bronx”, which earned him an Obie Award for Best Actor. But, of course, his defining moment was playing Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” (1972), which brought him international fame and established him as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Photo: Paramount Pictures

This is a film that remains timeless. “The Godfather” is like fine wine: it only grows richer with age. The story, depicting an Italian mafia family settling in America during the 1940s and 1950s, is one of the greatest films in cinematic history. In it, Pacino demonstrated an extraordinary ability to convey a complex mix of vulnerability, strength, and cold calculation. 

The 1970s. Pacino continued to deliver unforgettable performances. His portrayal of the intense and volatile Frank Serpico in “Serpico” (1973) earned him another Oscar nomination.

In “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), Pacino portrayed a desperate bank robber, showcasing his incredible emotional depth. By the end of the decade, Pacino had firmly established himself as one of the leading actors of his generation. 

A Hollywood icon in the 1980s

In the following years, Pacino took on even more complex and varied roles. His portrayal of Tony Montana in “Scarface” became iconic, and the larger-than-life character and memorable lines left an indelible mark on popular culture. Although the film initially received mixed reviews, it later became a classic, and Pacino’s performance is now considered one of his best.

His role in “Scent of a Woman” (1992) earned him his only Oscar for Best Actor. Playing a retired, blind Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade became one of Pacino’s greatest acting achievements.

Movies like “Heat”, where he starred alongside Robert De Niro, and “The Insider” (1999), which earned him another Oscar nomination, left a lasting legacy in global cinema.

Photo: Bernard Gotfryd

Later career and today

Pacino continued to work steadily, both in film and television. His portrayals of real-life figures like Jack Kevorkian and Phil Spector earned him critical acclaim and several awards.

Pacino’s influence goes beyond acting. His documentary “Looking for Richard” (1996), exploring Shakespeare’s Richard III, reflects his deep passion for theater.

Despite his success, Pacino has remained a private and humble individual, often shying away from the spotlight to focus on his work.

Today, his contribution to cinema and theater continues to inspire generations of actors and directors. His intense performances, devotion to his craft, and unwavering commitment to his artistic vision make Pacino a true legend of the silver screen.