Written by Erica Rose Jackson This morning, as I was conducting my monthly Al Pacino Google News search, I stumbled upon an article from Vulture ranking his performances. I am aware that everyone is entitled to their opinions and since I disagreed with many of theirs, I’d like to put my own out there. I haven’t seen every Al Pacino movie out there (which is shocking to those who know me), but I’ve seen a lot. For me, Pacino has no terrible performances so this list will go from the ones that I like (or maybe wasn’t as fond of) to the ones that blew me away. I don’t subscribe to the idea that Pacino is a yeller and that he is over the top, more often then necessary because he knows his craft. Pacino makes choices based on the character and the scene and what he sees. I trust his judgement. I’ve seen Pacino on stage in one of his ‘One Night Only’ stops and he is magnetizing. I’ll never forget a single moment of that evening (even embarrassing myself as the one person in the audience who fessed up to seeing and enjoying Jack and Jill). Pacino recited two monologues at the end, showing just how amazing and talented he is, even though he has nothing to prove. Pacino is one of the few actors who has the ability to tell an entire story with only his eyes. Revolution I’m not sure if Pacino’s performance is the problem with this one, or if this is just a terrible movie, but I really hated it. I watched this in the height of my Pacino obsession and it was the one and only time, I was left unsatisfied at the end. In fact, I can’t even remember this film very well at all which fully justifies its position in my ranking. Simone When I first saw this one, I loved it, I’ll admit to that. I really enjoyed Pacino in a quirky role like Viktor Taransky, but upon later viewings it doesn’t hold up. There are still moments I enjoy. I love that it reunited Pacino with Winona Ryder, they worked together earlier in Looking For Richard, but Simone is definitely not a movie to write home about. Son of No One Vulture got one thing right with their paragraph on this movie. Pacino is not one to phone in a performance, but this one really feels that way. Channing Tatum is also in Son of No One but nothing could save this melancholy movie fail. Gigli No one can speak about this movie in a positive light, it’s impossible. I am only looking at what Pacino did with his small role as Starkman. I actually loved his cameo and would have ranked it much higher had he had more time to show off. I used to watch the trailer for Gigli every time it came on TV just to see that glimpse of Pacino, in his element. Misconduct This film didn’t have a lot of Pacino, thankfully. It took me a few watch attempts to finish because I kept falling asleep. As a movie, it is rough, no matter how many good actors you put into it. Pacino does try to breathe some life into it but it’s just not enough and we get a movie that we definitely could have done without. Stand Up Guys I had very high expectations for this one. My Mom and I went to see it together on the night it came out and we both left underwhelmed. As a movie, it wanted to be too much and because there was never one clear story idea, it failed. In terms of Pacino’s performance, he was charming and subtle. I watch it from time to time just for him. City Hall
...And Justice For All Serpico I’m gonna catch some hell for this one because Serpico is one of Al Pacino’s most highly acclaimed roles, but he doesn’t do it for me in this one. I can’t explain why, I’m impressed that he got arrested because he was so invested in the role but I just don’t see the great allure, here. Hangman
88 Minutes Pacino catches a lot of flack for this movie, which is a predictable thriller. There’s nothing special or amazing about it but Pacino does his best with what he’s given. He can only perform so well when the material he has to work with is mediocre. I believe that is why he ‘over acts’ as some call it, to attempt to give the performance so kind of life. Righteous Kill This marks Deniro and Pacino’s second team up, a much less outstanding one. Pacino does what he does best and tries to make this movie work but the writing tried to backseat his greatness creating a mess. Let the greats do what they know how to do. People I Know I actually wanted to put this film higher on the list because Pacino shines in an otherwise awful movie. As a whole, even with him acting his butt of, People I Know falls short of what could be an excellent look into the darker side of Hollywood. Donnie Brasco Frankie and Johnny Michelle Pfeiffer is a goddess. I have to begin there because it is the work she and Pacino do together that makes this film work so well. We don’t often see Pacino as a romantic lead (which is a real waste, in my opinion) but in this rare gem, he shines. Sea of Love
Scarface You can’t find many people who haven’t heard of this Pacino classic. Would it work today? Probably not. But in this time period, Pacino did an amazing job as a scary and crazy drug king. He’s loud and proud and giving the world the one liners we didn’t know we needed. Dog Day Afternoon Jack and Jill Jack and Jill is a hated movie, often called one of Adam Sandler’s absolute worst. However, Al Pacino playing an insane version of himself, chasing after the female Sandler, Jill, it’s too perfect. He gets to cut loose in this role and I loved every minute of it. His cameo saved this film, giving it what little dignity it has. Manglehorn In the last few years, Pacino has put out some outstanding films and this is one of them. He plays an older man, down on his luck, who’s best friend is a cat. My heart aches for his character when I watch this movie and that is an indication as to how well Pacino plays the role. Salome Every now and then, Pacino takes us on a ride into his process. It’s always a trip but also an amazing learning experience. He’s more then an actor in this one but he shines in every aspect. Jessica Chastain working alongside Pacino is a team we should see again someday. Pacino’s character is cruel and evil, but I was still in love with him. Ocean's 13 Two for the Money In one of his many roles as mentor, Pacino takes Matthew McConaughey under his wing in the world of sports gambling. Pacino plays a pained man who has flaws, ones he gives into, and almost destroys everything. This movie may not be one of the most memorable of its time, but Pacino’s performance will shine on for years. The Recruit
The Merchant of Venice Pacino has played Shylock on Broadway, off Broadway, and in this film. He always does it with a quiet elegance that makes me yearn for more. He humbles himself, in this role, much like in Manglehorn as a man who has nothing left. We get to see him at his best in multiple aspects from when he’s strong and invincible to when he has nothing left to give. Looking for Richard
The Devil's Advocate This was one of my first Pacino movies which I used to catch on television as often as I could. Pacino as the Devil is exactly the type of casting screenwriters dream of. He was made for this role. He knows when to play it soft and seduce us with his words. And, Pacino knows when to hit us with his full voice because we haven’t been paying enough attention. The Humbling
Danny Collins Pacino gives one of his best performances of the decade in this movie. He plays an aging rocker who has had his trouble with everything in the past trying to redeem himself and reconnect with his family. Pacino gives this role his heart and, in a truly pleasant surprise, his vocals. Hearing Pacino sing ‘Hey Baby Doll’ will really melt your heart into a million pieces. Carlito's Way Scent of a Woman Pacino won his Oscar for this one where he starred opposite Chris O'Donnell as a blind war vet. He shouts and he screams but he also exhibits an refined presence only he could provide. Glengarry Glen Ross
Heat The best shootout scene in cinematic history takes place in this one. Pacino and Deniro team up for one of the best films for both of their careers. Each of these acting legends showcase their best acting skills and we get an amazing film from their efforts. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen this movie. The Insider
Insomnia My first Al Pacino film. I fell in love with him when I watched him play Will Dormer, the haunted detective. Pacino displayed some of his best work in this low key dramatic thriller. You feel his pain as his suffering gets worse with each passing minute of the film. When an actor can make you feel what they do, that is excellence. Any Given Sunday
The Godfather trilogy The films that made Al Pacino who he is and gave him his start. These are why he is considered such a legend.
So, which Pacino performance is your favorite?
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