by Dave Mendonca

Created on: May 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 29, 2007

When you mention Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, you're talking
about two powerhouse acting talents. Everybody in Hollywood
wants to work with them.

These New York natives have been associated with some of the
most memorable moments in North American cinematic history.

Few can forget De Niro as the psychotic Travis Bickle in the movie,
"Taxi Driver", when he looked at himself in the mirror and said,

"You talkin' to me?"

As for Pacino, many movie fans vividly recall his famous
"say hello to my little friend" line as the violent Tony Montana
in "Scarface".

Both of these actors possess incredible skill. They have mastered
their craft. But, who is better?

If you're comparing their acting awards, well, here is the
breakdown.

De Niro has won two Best Actor Academy awards and one Best
Actor Golden Globe Award.

Pacino's resume features one Best Actor Academy Award, one
Outstanding Leading Actor in a miniseries or movie Emmy Award,
two Tony Awards, two Best Actor Golden Globe Awards plus the
Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in motion
pictures. As well, he won a British Academy of Film and
Television Arts Best Actor Award.

It's obvious to see Pacino's trophy case is pretty full
while De Niro's is not. Does that hurt De Niro in this debate?
Well, it certainly doesn't help.

It clearly shows Pacino is a more versatile and accomplished
actor. He has the ability to successfully captivate any kind of
audience through his magnetic presence. Watch any of Pacino's
performances, you will ALWAYS feel his passion. Whether it's
him yelling in a scene or pounding on a desk in frustration
or giving someone an intense stare, he grabs you and doesn't
let go. You become very immersed in his various characters
because of his passion and charisma.

Don't get me wrong, De Niro is a terrific actor. However,
he doesn't quite pull you into his characters with the intensity
Pacino exhibits. De Niro has been fantastic in many films such as
"The GodFather Part 2", "Raging Bull", "Taxi Driver", "The Deer
Hunter", "GoodFellas" and "Casino". However, his career has
eroded over the last 10 years mainly because of his movie choices.

De Niro acted poorly in bad movies like "The Adventures of
Rocky & Bullwinkle" and "Showtime". His agent probably told
him to soften up his gangster image, so he tried to explore
the comedy genre. He was good in "Meet The Parents" and
not bad in "Analyze This". Other than that, De Niro's attempt
at comedy hasn't been a rousing success.

There's no doubt any actor out there would love to have
De Niro's abilities. However, I think Pacino
is the man future thespians can really learn from.
He provides an energy and passion no one can rival.

Al Pacino is the better actor. Plain and simple.

Learn more about this author, Dave Mendonca.
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