Al Pacino: The Godfather Star Who Avoided Watching His Own Classic for 50 years!
Al Pacino's Shocking Confession: 50 Years Without The Godfather!
Get this: Al Pacino, the legendary star of The Godfather (1972), famously avoided watching the movie for fifty years! Can you believe that? This insane confession comes from his new memoir, Sonny Boy, via EW. This legendary film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starred Pacino as the iconic Michael Corleone. Even today, The Godfather remains one of the greatest films ever made! It even earned Pacino an Academy Award nomination.
Pacino talks about how, even after the movie's premiere, where he “remember standing on a platform with my costars, being asked questions by the press that I couldn't answer," he actually left before the film even started. He simply refused to watch! His reasoning reveals insights into those anxieties associated with viewing oneself publicly; he openly admits, "I could never watch myself on-screen while other people were watching me. It was a bit disconcerting and it made me shy, almost embarrassed. As a younger actor, I guess I needed attention and didn't want it at the same time."
The Long Wait: Pacino's Reluctance to Face Michael Corleone
Pacino talks about his life-long attempts to avoid The Godfather entirely. Even glimpses on television triggered his attempts at avoiding the entire experience! This begs the question - Why such an extreme aversion? It is worth reiterating those details: "I almost went my whole life without ever seeing The Godfather in its entirety. I don't know why. Maybe I felt that because I was in it, I wouldn't be a good audience for it."
Yet his viEW on himself totally changed. His avoidance wasn’t total. He casually admits catching random parts over time, unable to turn away even as his previous feelings continue to hinder his efforts. Yet those initial negative feelings would finally disappear; eventually he is able to fully embrace this amazing piece and to appreciate its merit and complexity.
The Fiftieth Anniversary: A Turning Point for Al Pacino
This remarkable event became this significant turning point in this lifelong personal challenge. His attitude is totally changed. This special fiftieth-anniversary screening finally allows Pacino to see The Godfather on the big screen; a "beautifully projected, with crisp, perfect sound" experience and, more surprisingly and unexpectedly emotional moment! His overall impressions are revealed; “There's not a scene in the film where there aren't two or three things going on. There's not a dull moment in it, it's constantly telling a story. There was so much I was struck by." The reaction to such an impressive experience for himself and audiences all around demonstrate what it is capable of evoking!
How Avoiding The Godfather Shaped Pacino’s Performance
Pacino’s avoidance affected his portrayal of Michael Corleone in The Godfather sequels! Those details shed significant insights into his views around watching oneself; the immense self-consciousness which negatively affected some earlier parts of his career; His reluctance created some additional room to layer Michael’s transformation over the series. He didn't recreate earlier performances! This instead brought unexpected emotional depths to each film. Instead of rewatching the past – those films become much more independent efforts that emphasize development and highlight this ever-changing reality of their very human, extremely emotionally-driven character!
Our Take: A Beautiful Conclusion to a Complicated Relationship
For an acclaimed actor of Pacino’s skill level, avoiding his own iconic masterpiece seemed bizarre. He avoids it, yet is forced to continually recognize that the effort is something meaningful; a legacy and significant effort made by those involved; his performance within is legendary and has impacted other moviemaking in profound ways; something entirely justified by the amount of cultural impact The Godfather created. That final viEWing shows just how profound these changes truly are for his perspective!
His 50 year journey really makes for that emotionally rewarding moment, bringing in a very important, and deserved sense of appreciation – both from himself, and from other people as a result of such a brilliant experience for audiences. That emotional conclusion to his avoidance created that necessary peace.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of The Godfather and Pacino’s Transformation
The Godfather is more than just a great film; its impact transcends film, influencing movies across all eras and acting methodologies as well! Its unique storytelling, incredibly strong performances and dramatic tension are reasons enough to make it such a monumental effort for the history of cinema. Pacino’s surprising confession adds an unexpected layer; highlighting the complex personal journey associated with being part of such an epic and deeply profound production, something ultimately tied to this specific artist.
His delayed enjoyment shows his artistic growth; and this transformation from initial insecurity; through intense struggle; is what demonstrates the creative energy displayed in the years surrounding this creation; and demonstrates a far deeper understanding that is worth reiterating and making it easier for others to remember. This appreciation shows his acceptance as one of the greatest actors in modern film, but even further, one whose work lives far beyond its creation.
