The Al Pacino You Never Knew on Satellite TV
There is so much more to Al Pacino than the roles he played in the Godfather and Scent of a Woman. Yes, Pacino has many more tricks up his sleeve than ordering a hit or screaming "Hoo-ah" before a packed courtroom. In the 1970's, Pacino was considered one of the most experimental and accomplished actors of his era. He may have chosen too many similar roles later on, but the Al Pacino you never knew can still be found on satellite TV networks. Check out these five films playing now.
1. Scarecrow. If you ever want to know how the American cinema of the 1970's became so highly regarded, check out this early Pacino film now playing on satellite TV networks. Pacino plays the somewhat lost Lion, a man who drifts along with fellow wanderer Gene Hackman. The two of them struggle to pull themselves together, start a business and rekindle relationships with family. Almost like a Beat Generation film, the two go through semi-surreal moments while on their way across the country. Pacino's character was of a type he never played again - emotional, vulnerable and weak.
2. Dog Day Afternoon. His boyfriend wants a sex change, he's robbing a bank and everything else in his life isn't any better. One of Pacino's best roles ever is a study in controlled anguish. In one scene, Pacino becomes a rabble-rousing activist while negotiating hostages with cops. Would such a film be made today with Hollywood's biggest stars? Unlikely - see why the 1970's are considered a Golden Era in American film with this satellite TV gem.
3. The Merchant of Venice. Could Ricky Roma or Michael Corleone ever be confused with Shakespeare's Shylock? Such a thing would be impossible, but it's a testament to Pacino's range as an actor that he pulled it off in this adaptation of the Shakespeare play. Michael Bradford directed this film which shows off the ugly side of Pacino, now playing on satellite TV networks like the Sundance Channel.
4. Donnie Brasco. Yes, it's a mafia film and yes, Pacino revived his career with the role, but it is quite different from his other mob movies. Instead of the kingpin (as in Carlito's Way or the Godfather), Pacino plays a has-been. In fact, his character never quite had the credibility to make it big, and he gets hooked quickly by the undercover cop played by Johnny Depp. Perhaps most revealing are the scenes in which Pacino is seen at home with his wife - a side of mafia life rarely revealed.
5. Author! Author! Al Pacino may have been comfortable in his role as a Broadway playwright, but viewers are unlikely to recognize the sensitive man trying to make a living and raise his kids at the same time. Pacino will warm your heart with this quiet role, playing on satellite TV networks like the Independent Film Channel.
1. Scarecrow. If you ever want to know how the American cinema of the 1970's became so highly regarded, check out this early Pacino film now playing on satellite TV networks. Pacino plays the somewhat lost Lion, a man who drifts along with fellow wanderer Gene Hackman. The two of them struggle to pull themselves together, start a business and rekindle relationships with family. Almost like a Beat Generation film, the two go through semi-surreal moments while on their way across the country. Pacino's character was of a type he never played again - emotional, vulnerable and weak.
2. Dog Day Afternoon. His boyfriend wants a sex change, he's robbing a bank and everything else in his life isn't any better. One of Pacino's best roles ever is a study in controlled anguish. In one scene, Pacino becomes a rabble-rousing activist while negotiating hostages with cops. Would such a film be made today with Hollywood's biggest stars? Unlikely - see why the 1970's are considered a Golden Era in American film with this satellite TV gem.
3. The Merchant of Venice. Could Ricky Roma or Michael Corleone ever be confused with Shakespeare's Shylock? Such a thing would be impossible, but it's a testament to Pacino's range as an actor that he pulled it off in this adaptation of the Shakespeare play. Michael Bradford directed this film which shows off the ugly side of Pacino, now playing on satellite TV networks like the Sundance Channel.
4. Donnie Brasco. Yes, it's a mafia film and yes, Pacino revived his career with the role, but it is quite different from his other mob movies. Instead of the kingpin (as in Carlito's Way or the Godfather), Pacino plays a has-been. In fact, his character never quite had the credibility to make it big, and he gets hooked quickly by the undercover cop played by Johnny Depp. Perhaps most revealing are the scenes in which Pacino is seen at home with his wife - a side of mafia life rarely revealed.
5. Author! Author! Al Pacino may have been comfortable in his role as a Broadway playwright, but viewers are unlikely to recognize the sensitive man trying to make a living and raise his kids at the same time. Pacino will warm your heart with this quiet role, playing on satellite TV networks like the Independent Film Channel.
