by Joseph Yannuzzi Jr.

Created on: June 19, 2008

I remember a few years ago when actor Tom Hanks was nominated for an acting award. He said his purpose as an actor was to achieve the same talent level and status as his idol...Al Pacino. An endorsement of Al Pacino by Tom Hanks is monumental and for good reason.

Al Pacino has become the gold standard for acting in Hollywood. He has few equals and is undoubtedly a world class actor. How can we ever forget his performance as, Michael Corleone in the gangster classic, "The Godfather". He literally stole the show on pure acting potential and performance. An interesting fact regarding "The Godfather," was that Robert Redford, Warren Beatty and Robert De Niro, were the original actors vying for the role of Michael Corleone. Pacino, a little known actor at the time, was selected by Francis Ford Coppola against the advice of studio executives. The rest is history.

In preparing for his role as Michael Corleone, Al Pacino spent almost one year actually following and studying the habits and lifestyles of New York mobsters. He felt the knowledge he gained by spying on the mobsters, would serve him well in his portrayal of Michael Corleone. As a result, his perseverence and attention to detail would catapalt him to legendary stardom and success.

What makes Al Pacino a better actor than Robert De Niro, is that he has the uncanny ability to not only portray his character flawlessly, but the appeal and magnetism he brings to his character keeps his audience riveted to their seats. His role preparation is endless. For example, his role as Tony Montana in "Scarface," was not only remarkable, but indelible. I do not believe anyone else could have played that role with more intensity, than the man himself. Al Pacino once told Barbara Walters that his portrayl of Tony Montana, represented the best work of his career. I am sure many would agree. Pacino was nominated for a Golden Globe award for his performance in "Scarface."

One of the differences between Pacino and other actors is that Pacino allows us to experience the real character in his portrayals, while most others simply "play" the character. He is flexible and adaptable and able to easily fit most any role. This was clearly evident in his movie "Serpico," where he played a police officer attempting to expose fraud and corruption in the New York City Police Department. His performance in this movie was like most of his others, intense, real, and impeccable.

The Al Pacino resume is mind boggling. Academy Awards, Tony Awards, Awards from the Screen Actor's Guild, Emmy Awards, and Obie Awards, just to name a few. Some of his most memorable movies include, Scent of A Woman, Dog Day Afternoon, Sea of Love, Donnie Brasco, Heat, and of course the "Godfather Trilogy." At age 68, unlike other actors that have long retired, Pacino is still in demand at the box office. He still has the talent, magnetism and appeal that allows him to continue his acting career successfully. He may well be one of the most influential and successful actors of our generation. He is simply the best.

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