Al Pacino Paperback – Illustrated, April 22, 2008

This is not a biography on Al Pacino but a collection of interviews with Pacino over a 25-year span by author and journalist Lawrence Grobel. As an avid Pacino fan for over 50 years, I found this book to be informative and interesting. This collection of interviews effectively gives you a glimpse of the man Al Pacino without sacrificing his privacy. Really felt like I was listening to two friends talking about a variety of topics. Pacino's responses superbly demonstrate his intelligence, humor, humility and sensitivity. What a class act and gentleman he is! He refrains from speaking negatively about the people with whom he has worked or the relationships he has had with various women over the years. How refreshing and rare in this critical tell-all world we live in today! I especially loved the story he told about saving a bee for his young daughter...such a sweet story. I also appreciated the story about how he missed his mom when he went away to summer camp at age 11. It's obvious he was very devoted to his mom which is music to my ears since I have two grown sons with whom I am very close! Would love for Grobel to write a second book of interviews with Pacino!

Reading, "Al Pacino" was a very rewarding experience for me. Learning about the man from his own words was enligtening and enjoyable. The interview format worked well in that Pacino could answer the sometimes difficult questions in a spontaneous way. Grobel asked some particularly personal questions that Al had to own up to (most of the time). I especially liked finding out that Pacino is quite a learned man. His understanding and love of Shakespeare is wonderful. He is full of quotes from Dante to Di Niro. Also because of the format, the book is full of interesting and fun anecdotal material. Getting Pacino's take on the ways of Hollywood, Broadway, and the entertainment industry in general again was very informative. Most of all, it was great to see (sometimes between the lines)this man of passionate living, zeal in sharing his craft with people because he thought that the story was important and had merit in and of itself. It doesn't matter to him first of all if the movie/play is commericial, but if it says something significant. Now that says something about the man in and of itself.

This is a good group of interviews and conversations done with Al Pacino. It isn't a biography, although it has bigraphical information. What it does is give the reader a small glimpse of a man who normally stays well hidden. If you like Al Pacino it is a good read, and gives insight into the behind the curtain reasons for some of his "quirks". The Kindle editon is formatted without problems. The only complaint is the pictures are small, but that is a kindle limitation. The words carry the book. So this isn't an issue for me. I have looked for the print edition and it was out a few days, sold out in book stores, and I haven't seen it since. It may be available on Amazon, I was checking when I found this edition. And didn't continue to look, the pictures aren't that important to me - I know what Pacino looks like.

The friendship between interviewer Lawrence Grobel and Al Pacino that developed over the years represented by the interviews in this collection contributes to the frankness of the revealing and insightful dialogue.The two men explore Pacino's approach to his craft and career and the result is a fresh appreciation for the body of work Pacino has accomplished. For anyone interested in his films or the movie industry this is an excellent choice.Beginning in 1979 and running through 2005 the interviews capture some of Pacino's thinking at different stages of his career and there is a richness derived from this approach that might be missed in a retrospective biography.

The details and anecdotes were fascinating and informative. As one play or movie followed the next, I kept expecting to see my all-time favorite, Scent of a Woman. The book stops at the last year prior to the release of Scent. Even so, I was not disappointed, Grobel explained a lot about Pacino that I would never have guessed. If you are one of Al's fans, you will like the book!

I bought this book new and there is a picture cut right out of it!

This is not a biography. Nor is it an autobiography. It's a collection of "interviews" conducted by a magazine writer who got his foot in the door with Pacino, because he was kind to Marlon Brando during an interview years ago. He and Pacino became buddies, so we don't get journalistic objectivity. But, we do get an idea of what it's like when a chum sits down with Al for a chat. It also serves as an introduction to the language of stage craft and movie making for those who aren't "in the biz."Pacino is delightfully eccentric and is wrapped in the ambiguity of an artist who is reluctant to form an opinion that is not self-depreciating. He prefers to keep it loose and not go on record with anything that might paint him into a corner or otherwise tie him down to a statement or crimp a creative opportunity. So you learn that he loves everyone he's ever worked with...some more than others. His MO is to "go with the glow" and keep such an open mind that few, if any, absolute truths exist in a mind that fires off synapses like Tony Montana fires a gun. To say his thought process is not linear is an understatement. As a result, the ride through this book is bumpy, but fun...especially if you like Pacino in the first place. "Whoo-ah!"

A great book to really get a better understanding of the man. It IS NOT a biography, but a collection from interviews with the author - very worth the purchase if you want to hear the conversational words of the man

Despite reading bad reviews I decided to buy this book as I enjoyed the authors book on Marlon Brando. This book is excellent if you want an insight to Al Pacino's thoughts and views on acting. Written in an interview style of question and response, if you like Al as I do this book is a must read.

super

U must be a fan of Al Pacino if u watch films..Acting is not acting when you act..his lines and conversation with Larry is awesome.. Al is not just an actor but he is more than that..this world will remember him by another name..#$CARFACE ♡♡♡

I am an aficionado of Al Pacino and have read most books written about him. He, James Gandolfini, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Colin Firth are amongst my favourite actors. I was privileged when in NYC many years ago to see him on stage in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice where he signed a "Scarface" picture for me. I was waiting in the snow hoping to see him at the stage door(talk about a groupie!!) These days I think celebs go out of a private door to discourage stalkers like me. This black & white picture is now framed and holds a place of honour in my house. Also, I've had a "crush" on this man for many years!This particular book in Conversation with Lawrence Grobel, the award winning biographer, was the best format ever for me. Al (notoriously VERY private) talks to Grobel and becomes his friend over the span of many years. Al, opens up (as much as he ever will) and it was so interesting to say the least. Many people don't know about his love of Shakespeare - they just think of him as the most fabulous mobster in my favourite movies of all time - The Godfather, Carlita's way and the marvellous "cult" movie, Scarface. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought some mob movies would be my favourites. He continues to make small movies, not well known, financed by himself which are, and which he knew wouldn't be, blockbusters - all for the love of his craft.When I said I have a crush on him - no, he doesn't have your typical movie star looks - but those brooding eyes,"craggy" looks as he gets older, sense of mystery and superb acting make him more "crushable" to me than what is considered the norm in leading men in Hollywood these days. I also listen to The Godfather part 11 audio CD all the time - SUCH beautiful and haunting music. You might think I'm obsessed.....you would be right.

I have always been a fan of Al Pacino...It was a joy reading about his carreer and life from himself...