Fresh Air: Best Of – Al Pacino & Saoirse Ronan
Fresh Air, hosted by Terry Gross and produced by NPR’s WHYY in Philadelphia, is renowned for its in-depth and intimate conversations with prominent figures in the arts and public life. In the "Best Of" episode featuring Al Pacino and Saoirse Ronan, listeners are treated to compelling discussions that delve into Pacino’s illustrious acting career and his new memoir, as well as Ronan’s nuanced performances in her latest films. This summary captures the essence of their conversations, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and insightful reflections.
Interview with Al Pacino
Al Pacino, a legend in the film industry, joins Terry Gross to discuss his new memoir, Sonny Boy, and reflects on his iconic roles, particularly in The Godfather series. The conversation navigates through his transformative journey as an actor, his personal struggles, and his enduring legacy in cinema.
Early Life and Personal Struggles
Pacino opens up about his challenging upbringing in the South Bronx, raised by a single mother with limited financial resources. He shares poignant memories from his childhood, illustrating how these experiences shaped his resilience and depth as an actor.
Al Pacino (03:03): "I went into therapy for the next... [46:42]"
His memoir, Sonny Boy, serves as an autobiographical account, chronicling his life from humble beginnings to stardom. Pacino discusses the profound impact of discovering his parents' separation and how uncovering these family dynamics later in life led him to seek therapy, addressing unresolved trauma from his early years.
Transformation in The Godfather
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone in The Godfather series. He revisits a pivotal scene in The Godfather I where Michael emerges as a hardened leader, ultimately taking over the family business.
Al Pacino (07:00): "Players couldn't get a drink at the table."
Pacino describes the meticulous process of embodying Michael Corleone, emphasizing the subtlety required to convey power without overt gestures.
Al Pacino (08:08): "It works."
He highlights the importance of controlled body language in portraying a character’s authority and menace, referencing advice from fellow actor Michael Caine about maintaining stillness to project power.
Challenges During The Godfather II
Discussing The Godfather II, Pacino reveals the difficulties faced with the initial script, which he deemed subpar. His persistence, alongside contributions from director Francis Ford Coppola, led to substantial rewrites that enhanced the narrative’s depth and coherence.
Al Pacino (21:16): "It was a great script."
He candidly shares how the intense filming period coincided with his personal struggles, including battling alcohol addiction and reliance on Valium. Despite these challenges, Pacino’s dedication and natural talent enabled him to deliver a stellar performance, solidifying his status as a cinematic powerhouse.
Al Pacino (24:58): "It had to."
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the role, Pacino acknowledges the difficulty of emotionally shutting down to portray a character becoming a "monster."
Legacy and Reflections
As the interview draws to a close, Pacino expresses gratitude for his enduring career and the opportunity to continue influencing the film industry through his work and memoir.
Al Pacino (26:39): "Thank you so much for talking with us."
His reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of his journey, balancing personal demons with professional triumphs, and the unwavering passion that fuels his iconic performances.
Interview with Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, discusses her versatile acting career and her roles in two new films: Blitz and The Outrun. Her conversation with Terry Gross explores the depth of her characters, the preparation involved, and her personal connections to the narratives she portrays.
Exploring New Roles: Blitz and The Outrun
Ronan delves into her character in Blitz, a World War II drama directed by Steve McQueen. She portrays Rita, a mother striving to protect her young son amid the chaos of German bombings in London. The role required her to embody the resilience and fear inherent in the wartime setting.
Saoirse Ronan (40:53): "I think it was the first time that I had been exposed to an addiction story that didn't feel like it was all doom and gloom."
In The Outrun, Ronan takes on the role of Rona, a young woman battling alcoholism. The film, based on Amy Liptrot's memoir, follows Rona’s journey to sobriety, including her move back to her family’s sheep farm in Scotland. Ronan discusses the emotional and physical demands of portraying a character grappling with addiction.
Saoirse Ronan (41:23): "I was thrown straight onto the Orkney mainland, and I had my hand up a U and was pulling a lamb out."
Authentic Preparation and Immersive Techniques
Ronan emphasizes the immersive preparation required for her roles. In Blitz, she physically engaged in sheep farming, learning to handle live animals and adapting to the unpredictable nature of the work.
Saoirse Ronan (43:31): "I actually went on a sheep farm and pulled a lamb out seven times."
Her dedication extended to enduring challenging weather conditions to authentically depict her character’s experiences, showcasing her commitment to delivering genuine and relatable performances.
In The Outrun, Ronan discusses the delicate balance of portraying addiction without it defining her character entirely. She sought to present a nuanced depiction, highlighting both the struggles and the underlying humanity of someone battling substance abuse.
Saoirse Ronan (52:00): "The more difficult the role, the more... you go the other way in your preparation because you got it all in you now."
Accents and Linguistic Versatility
A notable aspect of Ronan’s craft is her mastery of accents. She explains how growing up in a multicultural environment, particularly in New York City, fostered her ability to adopt various accents seamlessly. This linguistic flexibility has allowed her to embody diverse characters across different films.
Saoirse Ronan (49:48): "It's not dissimilar to being bilingual."
Ronan reflects on the challenges and rewards of maintaining her authentic voice while performing in different accents, ultimately finding fulfillment in embracing her natural intonations in her recent work.
Saoirse Ronan (52:03): "I've gone through a period over the last few years where I've really enjoyed using my own."
Personal Connections and Emotional Depth
Ronan shares a personal connection to her roles, particularly in Blitz. Her relationship with her own mother informed her portrayal of Rita, infusing the character with genuine emotion and vulnerability.
Saoirse Ronan (44:51): "I couldn't really pass up. I'm incredibly close to my own mother... that dynamic is something that I've always wanted to bring to life on screen."
Her openness about her motivations and the emotional labor involved in her performances provides listeners with a deeper understanding of her dedication to the craft and her ability to convey profound human experiences.
Concluding Insights
The Fresh Air episode featuring Al Pacino and Saoirse Ronan offers a rich tapestry of narratives that underscore the resilience and dedication inherent in the acting profession. Pacino’s reflections on his storied career and personal battles reveal the layers behind his legendary performances, while Ronan’s exploration of complex roles in Blitz and The Outrun highlights her commitment to authenticity and emotional depth.
Both artists emphasize the importance of personal experiences in shaping their portrayals, whether it’s Pacino’s tumultuous upbringing influencing his intense characters or Ronan’s intimate connections to her roles inspiring her nuanced performances. Their conversations illuminate the intricate balance between personal struggles and professional achievements, showcasing how their lives and careers are intricately intertwined.
Notable Quotes
- Al Pacino (08:08): "It works."
- Saoirse Ronan (43:31): "I actually went on a sheep farm and pulled a lamb out seven times."
- Saoirse Ronan (49:48): "It's not dissimilar to being bilingual."
- Al Pacino (24:58): "It had to."
These quotes encapsulate the essence of their discussions—Pacino’s pragmatic approach to acting and Ronan’s immersive commitment to her roles, further enriching the listeners’ understanding of their artistic processes.
Fresh Air continues to excel in providing deep, thoughtful conversations that resonate with audiences, offering a window into the lives and minds of some of the most influential figures in the arts.