But then I met Frank Serpico in Bregman’s office. Bregman had set it up. I took one look at Frank and I knew. I said, I can play him. I’ve got to play him. I saw it in his eyes, and I thought, I want to be that. I’m often offered real people, and I turn them down. I didn’t want to be them. Not because they’re bad or good. Just because I didn’t feel any connection to them. I spent more time with Frank that summer before we made the film. He came to visit me at a house I was renting in Montauk. We were sitting on my deck, looking at the waves coming in. Finally I said something to him that he’d probably heard a thousand times before. “Frank, why didn’t you take those payoffs?” I asked him. “Just take that money and give your share away if you didn’t want to keep it?” He said to me, “Al, if I did that”—long pause—“who would I be when I listen to Beethoven?” There was something about that statement that just made me want to play him.”
― Al Pacino, Sonny Boy: A Memoir (Penguin, October 15, 2024)
Notes:
- Original Trailer for the movie Serpico here.
- Book Reviews:
- WSJ: ‘Sonny Boy’ Review: A Star Early & Late.
- Guardian: “Sonny Boy – A South Bronx Miracle“
- NY Times: “A More Freewheeling Book Lives Inside Al Pacino’s Memoir.”
- Al Pacino’s Memoir “Sonny Boy” was released on October 15, 2024.
- Don’t miss one my favorite collection of clips from “Scent of a Woman” here: “Hoo-ah!”
you got me confused here, Dave. First I thought, what? Al Pacino? Who is Serpico? Then I watched the trailer and was confused some more…. ‚Old Al’ In a film, young as a spring day? And then I realised it was a very old movie…. and I learned who Serpico was (not that I needed to know but still….) Now I almost feel like wanting to watch that old film!
I loved this film! Sorry Kiki, I erroneously believed everyone knew of Serpico!
Kiki, check out Anneli’s comment down below!
Love this. Thank you for sharing.
Something about people of principle and especially whistle-blowers.
Agree Sawsan. Totally agree!
I can’t wait to listen to this one! I don’t say that often but Al’s book will no doubt be interesting.
Agree with you Melinda!
I am thisclose to caving and getting the book. Who am I kidding? It’s on my next order!!
I love him in pretty much anything he plays in.
Me too!
What? You don’t already have it? I am shocked! 😉 Would make a nice birthday present, eh? 😀
Dale!
What? 😇
Oh, by the way, much as I love Al in his movies, I listed to a bit of the Audible version of this book. I don’t think I could handle listening to it.
Thanks! Narration makes a huge difference. You saved me some pain and suffering!
It does and I do like to check first – I think you should. When you go to the page on Amazon – you can see the listen to Audible clip. I mean, maybe his voice would not bother you. I just have trouble with a deep rumbly-gurgley voice. I would spend the time clearing my own throat wanting him to clear his!! LOL.
Good tip Dale! Thanks!
😊
loved this movie and loved al playing him. boom, al got his answer and it was a powerful one.
Me too Beth. He’s an incredible actor.
Well, now I love Officer Serpico, TOO!
He’s amazing!
Kiki is just too young, but the rest of us know about Serpico. Good post, DK.
Laughing. I’m sure she would love to hear this!
Yeah, I was kind of wishing I’d never heard of Serpico either – that it was before my time.
Me too! I was shocked to be reminded of when this movie was released!
I‘m not so sure. Sounds more like the two of you are making fun of me (again….). But I have the self-deprecating humour of a wise English person – I like laughing about myself and I don‘t mind one bit to make a fool of myself.
We are NOT making funny if you (again). What I was pointing out is your aura and energy signals YOUTH. A compliment!
Anneli; you are kidding me! I‘m not American, nor Canadian – hence there is no need for me to know about Serpico! But now I do…
Laughing!
Wow – what an amazing response!
Agree!
Hi Dave
A clever answer that made us think.
Happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Exactly Klaus. Well stated. Have a good weekend. Dave
and you too
Don’t know the movie. Are you surprised?
Nope.