Product Description

Not only is Al Pacino known as 'one of the greatest actors in all of film history', he is also considered 'one of Hollywood's most notorious bachelors' (imdb.com) as well as being one of the most enigmatic and private celebrities in the world. For the first time, AL PACINO offers a deeply personal and revealing window into everything from his growing up in the South Bronx, where he shared three rooms with nine people, to his fabled studies with Charles Laughton and Lee Strasberg, his father's absence, his mother's early death, and how he bounced through a series of odd jobs until his first paid role at the age of 26. He reveals his childhood dream of becoming a professional baseball player, describes his first drink at 13, and admits his once ate Valium like popcorn at the Academy Awards. Though he has been involved with women like Diane Keaton and Beverly D'Angelo, the mother of his three children, he has never married and here reveals why, and how his feelings have changed. Through it all, he has delivered some of the most seminal performances in film and theatre history and worked with most of its biggest stars. He was nominated for seven Academy Awards before winning Best Actor Oscar for Scent of a Woman. AL PACINO is an intensely personal look at a creative genius at the peak of his powers who, after all these years, still longs to learn more about his art. And for now, it's a close to a memoir as we are likely to get.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17614 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

About the Author
Lawrence Grobel has written for Rolling Stone, New York Times and many others. His previous books include THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW, CONVERSATIONS WITH BRANDO and CONVERSATIONS WITH CAPOTE.

Customer Reviews

Great Read
Having avoided any previous book on Pacino - I was intrigued that this was the first one to have his full authorization. Notoriously press shy and as much an enigma as many of the varied characters he has immortalised on screen - this book is something of a gem. The writer - a long time friend and collaborator of Al - is candid and interested in the introduction which serves as a simple but definitive biography of the man's life and more deeply his career. After that the bulk of the book becomes more an 'in conversation with...' style as nearly 30 years of recorded interviews between the writer and subject are edited as themed conversations. For many this may not appeal, but as someone who likes the style it makes an incredibly easy and enjoyable read - very often showcasing a verbal wit and sardonic side to Pacino that escapes even his wittiest screen personas. As an avid admirer of Pacino the actor from stage to screen, I may be biased, but this 'authorized' biography offers a simple, interested, challenged and detailed look at the man behind Corleone. Recommended.

Bravo!
Having followed Al Pacino's career so far, I was intrigued by the fact that he had given his authorisation to this book. I have read many books on Al Pacino, he is after all a very talented artistical styled actor, but not many went into real depth on the man, on his achievements, success's, failures. Until I read this book that is.

For the most part he bulk of the book becomes more conversational including many years of recorded interviews between the writer and Al. This may not be appealing to many. Usually I don't enjoy parts like these either but as an avid Al Pacino enthusiast, I saw through this and became quite interested in what he had to say. None the less, this biography is very enjoyable, simple, that will have you reading for hours. Who wouldn't want to learn about this man, after all, he paved the way for some of the great actors you see today. Highly Reccommended

Smart, cool, sexy .........
I just finished reading this book, and I loved it! I'm so glad that Al Pacino allowed this book to go ahead. It was a revelation to me to find out how thoughtful, intuitive and smart this really fabulous actor is. Because the book is made up mostly of his words, you get a real sense of his personality. And how wonderful to read what HE actually thought of Michael Corleone, Tony Montana, Frank Serpico. If you want an insight into one of the major influences on film in the last 30 years, read this book.