Fresh Air: Al Pacino Looks Back On A Legendary Career
Hosted by Terry Gross
In this compelling episode of NPR’s "Fresh Air," host Terry Gross engages in an intimate and revealing conversation with legendary actor Al Pacino. Centered around Pacino’s illustrious career and his newly released memoir, "Sonny Boy," the interview delves deep into his personal life, artistic journey, and the challenges he has overcome. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and memorable quotes from the episode.
Introduction to Al Pacino and "Sonny Boy"
Terry Gross opens the interview by introducing Al Pacino, highlighting his remarkable body of work and his new memoir, "Sonny Boy." The memoir spans Pacino’s life from his upbringing in the South Bronx, raised by a single mother and grandparents, to his rise in the performing arts, his acclaimed roles in films like Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, and Scarface, and his personal battles, including a near-fatal encounter with COVID-19.
Notable Quote:
Terry Gross [00:48]: So I'm gonna talk to Pacino about his business, by which I mean his art.
Transforming into Michael Corleone: The Godfather Films
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Pacino’s iconic role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather series. Gross and Pacino dissect a pivotal scene from the first film, exploring Pacino’s method of portraying Michael’s transformation from a reluctant family outsider to a hardened crime boss.
Notable Quotes:
Al Pacino [03:12]: The Corleone family wants to buy you out.
Terry Gross [05:37]: You were nearly fired from the movie after the opening scene.
Pacino discusses the intense emotional and psychological preparation required for the role, including his ability to remain physically still and emotionally detached, which adds to Michael’s menacing presence.
Notable Quote:
Al Pacino [07:42]: I was lucky, and I just went in that direction and I didn't do it consciously.
Collaborations with Robert De Niro
Gross shifts the conversation to Pacino’s collaborations with Robert De Niro, particularly in films like Heat and The Irishman. They explore the dynamic between the two actors, their similar intensity, and how their working styles mesh seamlessly despite differing approaches.
Notable Quote:
Al Pacino [13:48]: Robert’s so easy to work with, Bob. You know, anything you do or say, he's there. He hears it.
Pacino shares anecdotes about filming together and the mutual respect that has developed over decades of working in the industry.
Early Life and Personal Struggles
A deeply personal segment of the interview delves into Pacino’s childhood in the South Bronx. Raised by his grandparents and suffering from trauma due to his parents' divorce and his mother's struggles, Pacino recounts how these experiences shaped his resilience and drive.
Notable Quotes:
Al Pacino [15:30]: We were wild. We would go up there and throw like lettuce at them and stuff.
Al Pacino [19:25]: Trauma. It's just trauma, you know. We all have trauma.
Pacino reflects on the loss of close friends to drug-related deaths and how his mother’s unwavering support played a crucial role in his survival and success.
Passion for Acting and Early Auditions
Pacino shares his early passion for acting, influenced by his mother's love for theater and film. He narrates his experiences auditioning for musicals, his initial setbacks, and how these challenges ultimately led him to secure significant roles.
Notable Quote:
Al Pacino [27:10]: Oh, boy. I feel like I'm an audition.
He discusses a memorable but challenging audition for a musical role, highlighting his commitment to the craft despite the risk of failure.
Health Challenges and Resilience
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Pacino opens up about his health struggles, including surgery on his carotid arteries, experiencing multiple strokes, and a near-fatal bout with COVID-19. He describes the fear and uncertainty during these medical crises and how they have influenced his perspective on life and mortality.
Notable Quotes:
Al Pacino [40:39]: I had four strokes.
Al Pacino [42:54]: I thought I had experienced death.
Pacino emphasizes the importance of his support system and the impact of these experiences on his approach to acting and personal life.
Reflections on Life, Death, and Continuing Work
In the final segments, Pacino reflects on his enduring passion for acting and how his experiences have deepened his understanding of life and death. He shares insights into his acting philosophy, the importance of health and happiness, and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Notable Quotes:
Al Pacino [46:36]: I think just through experience and doing this, the saying goes, time keeps me green, you know, because when you are acting or that thing that we do, and after a while, it gets there into the body and into the mind. It just becomes part of you and you don't have to act anymore.
Al Pacino [44:29]: I always believe in God. I mean, whatever that is.
Closing Moments and Memorable Scenes
As the interview concludes, Pacino and Gross recount memorable scenes from Dog Day Afternoon, showcasing Pacino’s unmatched ability to convey intensity and emotion. The episode wraps up with warm farewells and acknowledgments of Pacino’s enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
Notable Scene: A famous excerpt from Dog Day Afternoon is shared, highlighting Pacino’s character’s desperation and raw emotion during a bank robbery gone awry.
Conclusion
This "Fresh Air" episode offers a rare and heartfelt glimpse into Al Pacino’s life, blending his professional achievements with personal vulnerabilities. Pacino’s candid reflections on his journey, coupled with his profound insights into acting and survival, make this interview a must-listen for fans and anyone interested in the complexities of a legendary artist.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- [00:24] Al Pacino: "Don't ask me about my business, Kate."
- [03:12] Al Pacino: "The Corleone family wants to buy you out."
- [07:42] Al Pacino: "I was lucky, and I just went in that direction and I didn't do it consciously."
- [13:48] Al Pacino: "Robert’s so easy to work with, Bob. You know, anything you do or say, he's there. He hears it."
- [19:25] Al Pacino: "Trauma. It's just trauma, you know. We all have trauma."
- [27:10] Al Pacino: "Oh, boy. I feel like I'm an audition."
- [40:39] Al Pacino: "I had four strokes."
- [42:54] Al Pacino: "I thought I had experienced death."
- [46:36] Al Pacino: "I think just through experience and doing this, the saying goes, time keeps me green, you know..."
- [44:29] Al Pacino: "I always believe in God. I mean, whatever that is."
About "Fresh Air"
"Fresh Air" is a Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, hosted by Terry Gross. The program features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries across various fields.
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This summary captures the essence of the interview between Terry Gross and Al Pacino, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for those who haven’t had the chance to listen to the episode.