Al Capone | Criminals In Cinema - Part 5 | Under Lens

Alphonse Gabriel "Al" Capone… ahem ahem. That’s an impressive name. Al Capone is one of the most celebrated criminal of Hollywood. There have been thousands of references and portrayals of this legendary name. What made him so special? Nature of his crime? Nah… Unlike boring Families; Capone was more outgoing. He believed in doing things with a big trailing sound. His larger than life persona attracted everyone from journalist to Hollywood movie stars… and yes; who can forget/overlook Saint Valentine's Day Massacre.

The Godfather had a small fictionalized role of Capone in the war. This was an acknowledgement of Capone’s might and popularity. Considering the uncountable times Capone has been caricatured; we will limit our discussion to two highly acclaimed movies: The Untouchables and Scarface.

The Untouchables was based on a novel by the same name, tells the story of infamous Capone and his famed strife with Agent Ness. This movie was critically acclaimed for direction. Robert De Niro played the role of Al Capone and the portrayal is remembered as one of his finest. He went to the extent of gaining 30 pounds to give the Capone persona to his reel avatar. Moreover, his adaptation of character had the brutality and the chivalry both at the same time; something Capone was famous for. Result was deadly.

Based on 1932 movie by Hawks, in 1983, Scarface was made with Al Pacino playing the role of Tony Montana. Tony Montana is a famous screen adaptation of Capone and since 1932; nobody has a shred of doubt about it. When Scarface (1932) was made; it was a fact and when Scarface was remade in 1983; it was a legend. Al Pacino gave one of his finest performances and the movie went on to become a legend. Due to heavy dosage of blood and abuse censor was very cautious about rating this movie. However, that did not mar the quality of work by any mean. No wonder, Ebert gave 4/4 to this rebel movie.

That’s the end of our series – ‘Criminals In Cinema’. I hope you like it. May be soon, I will start off with a long series on Axed Reel Romances In Bollywood. Wait for it…

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh

Al Pacino> Godfather And Beyond| Statesmen

Alfred James Pacino was born to an Italian couple and later in his life, he immortalized one of the most loved Italian character from books- Michael Corleone. Beyond the Godfather, he saw both the best and the worst of his life.

In 1973, Godfather was released and the saga of an American mafia of Italian origin was a big success. Pacino’s character was an understated supporting cast but with his excellent performance, he grabbed more eyeballs than anybody else barring Brando. It was followed by Serpico where he portrayed a cop. Then in 1974, Godfather 2 was released that made him a legend.

When Pacino was just 17, he left studies and home for his passion ‘acting’. Though poor grades also heated the zeal. He started from underground theatre in NY. That was a of period of extreme pauperism. At times he survived on petty alms. But these things revealed a better Pacino on the stage. Even art the pinnacle of his career, his passion for theatre was alive. Crystal Clear, National Anthem and American Buffalo are prominent testimonials.

Pacino was one of the most critically acclaimed actors of 70s and 80s; was in the league of Brando and De Niro but somehow he missed numerous Oscars. His performances in Godfather, Serpico, Godfather-2, Bobby Dearfield, …And Justice For All, Scarface, Sea Of Love and Dick Tracy could have grabbed the Oscar but failed. Finally for The Scent Of A Woman, he got his first Oscar. The journey that began in early 70’s was recognized by Oscar Jury in ’92. More than two decades of insomnia.

Pacino is a torchbearer of cinema that does heroes and villains equally without prejudice.



Written By: Sujoy Ghosh