BEST AL PACINO MOVIES
“The Godfather” (1972) Well, of course. He’d made a couple of movies earlier, but this is where things really got rolling for Pacino, with his iconic portrayal of underworld boss-in-training Michael Corleone (which came to fruition with the superb first sequel, then coasted along in the less-stellar second sequel).
“Serpico” (1973) The Pacino mix of vulnerability and inner resolve took a leap forward director Sidney Lumet’s fine portrait of a New York cop who exposed police corruption.
“Dog Day Afternoon” (1975) “Attica! Attica!” Working again under Lumet’s direction, Pacino is galvanizing as a wouldbe bank robber with a very specific reason for wanting the cash. Turner Classic Movies shows the film Wednesday, Feb. 22.
“Scarface” (1983) It borders on caricature, but Pacino’s performance as battling-bantam gangster Tony Montana stays real enough to have endured as one of the actor’s best-known characters.
“Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992) As part of a terrific ensemble cast, Pacino details drama at a real-estate office in this film of David Mamet’s play.
“Scent of a Woman” (1992) “Hooah!” Pacino finally became an Oscar winner as a blind military veteran who figuratively sees many things clearer than his young companion (Chris O’Donnell).
“Carlito’s Way” (1993) Continuing his connection to crime stories in this Brian De Palma-directed film, Pacino plays an ex-convict whose post-prison effort to go straight meets with challenges.
“Heat” (1995) Pacino and Robert De Niro didn’t share scenes in “The Godfather, Part II,” but they rectified that with great tandem moments in director Michael Mann’s sizzling crime drama.
“Donnie Brasco” (1997) In a great character-actor turn, Pacino plays an informant for the title character, an undercover FBI operative (portrayed by Johnny Depp).
“The Insider” (1999) Filmmaker Mann hired Pacino again for the true story of former “60 Minutes” producer Lowell Bergman’s (Pacino) championing of tobacco industry whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe).
“Any Given Sunday” (1999) Pacino is typically, thoroughly believable as a been-there, done-that pro football coach in director Oliver Stone’s all-star take on the ins and outs of the game.
“Insomnia” (2002) Pacino does underrated work opposite fellow Oscar winners Robin Williams and Hilary Swank in the tale of a Los Angeles police detective who has a hard time adjusting to Alaska while probing a murder there.