AL PACINO: THE AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY [Import] [Hardcover]

LAWRENCE GROBEL (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER LTD (2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743294971
• ISBN-13: 978-0743294973
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,125,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A FASCINATING LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A GREAT ACTOR !!, September 28, 2006

By 

RBSProds "rbsprods" (Deep in the heart of Texas) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Al Pacino (Hardcover)

Five BIG Stars!! A fascinating and frank look at Al Pacino in an article and essays, but mostly through interviews with one of his most cherished friends. Lawrence Grobel is an award-winning author and longtime trusted Pacino associate. Even so, he is a probing, persistent journalist who asks the tough questions. In the foreword, Al "forgives" him for this book. The introduction reveals Alfredo James (Sonny) Pacino as I would have never imagined him. Although this book is totally Pacino-centric, frank questions fly both ways in the series of interviews covering a period of over 25 years. Pacino's questions reveal as much about himself and the depth of their friendship as his answers. Full of personal insights and professional tidbits that heretofore were unknown, unless you read the articles and interviews in a previously published form over the decades, this is one book that ALL Pacino fans will want to read. After all, Al Pacino is a private person who usually keeps it that way.

In this book, we learn the impact of Charlie Laughton, among others, on Pacino. The inside scoop on plays, movies, and roles that could have happened but didn't. His saddest professional experience. The best young actor he ever saw. We also learn the true meaning of 'the show must go on' as Al shows incredible inner resolve during the Broadway run of the play "American Buffalo". I couldn't have done it, but I understand why he did it and he was right! He carves out some protective space regarding his women, while acknowledging them. And again what he won't divulge about them says alot about his character. But there is much more that he will discuss and it makes this book worth every penny of it's cost. Not a lot of verbal fat herein, this book is trenchant and to the point. Also included are 8 pages of photos from the almost obligatory baby picture to family photos to professional associates with Pacino and an ad announcing something that every Pacino fan will want when it's available. This is a deep look at the life and psyche of one of the world's greatest actors and it is very engrossing. Highly recommended!! Five ENGROSSING Stars.
(Hardcover, unabridged, 245 pages)

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Susan's Pick As The Best Book About Al Pacino!, October 4, 2006

By 

S. Myers - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Al Pacino (Hardcover)

Larry Grobel is the master of all interviewers. His book on Al Pacino gives an insight into one of
America's finest actors who is so private and removed from the public that, up until now, we have
known very little about him. The compilation of interviews are done over several periods of time
(usually a film between each interview)and Mr. Grobel's questions show a transformation and
growth in the actor as his career and life progress. Mr. Grobel has let the actor talk with his
guard "up" and his guard "down" and go at his own pace, and the reveal is one of intense depth and
an interesting look inside the life and career of Al Pacino. One of the most fascinating revelations
is hearing of his humor and vision of himself. One is particularly astonished to find the comedic
humor of the legendary actor because it is so very different from how we associate him through his films. The book makes you yearn to sit down and engage in a wonderful conversation with the author
and the actor and know it will be a treat and time well spent. In fact, by the time you finish reading the book, you will feel that you have become friends with both Mr. Grobel and Mr. Pacino. This is
definitely a five star read!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging Interviews spread over 25 years, December 6, 2006

By 

R. J. Marsella (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Al Pacino (Hardcover)

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.