All About Al: The Pacino podcast
All About Al: The Pacino podcast is a deep dive into the film, TV, and stage career of legendary actor Al Pacino. Presented by film critic and author Mark Searby, it features interviews with actors, directors, producers, and others who have worked closely with Pacino. The show also brings in film critics and academics to discuss the themes and impact of Pacino's body of work. It aims to be the ultimate insider's guide to one of Hollywood's most enduring performers.
Episodes
Episode 79: Wilde Salome with Robert Fox
Wilde Salome is a docudrama written, produced and starring Al Pacino (Looking For Richard, Chinese Coffee, The Local Stigmatic) as he tries to unravel Oscar Wilde's most controversial work Salome. Producer Robert Fox (The Crown, The Hours, Notes on a Scandal) discusses how he came to be involved in the project, why it took Pacino so long to finish it and what it's like watching Al work.All About A
Episode 78: Hughie with Candice Donnelly
Eugene O'Neill's play Hughie has been performed at least three times by Al Pacino (The Godfather, Frankie & Johnny, Scent of a Woman) throughout his career. It is a one-act play set in the lobby of a small hotel on a West Side street in Midtown Manhattan, New York, during the summer of 1928. Only characters exist in the play - small-time gambler Erie Smith and Hotel night clerk Charlie Hughes.
Episode 77: Hunters with Nelson McCormick
Hunters follows Jonah Heidelbaum (Logan Lerman - Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Fury) in 1977 New York City as he seeks revenge. He is taken in by a secret group of Nazi hunters, led by Meyer Offerman (Al Pacino - The Godfather, The Insider, Angels In America), who are fighting a clandestine war against a cell of high-ranking Nazi officials in hiding who ar
Episode 76: Scarecrow with Chris Wade
Scarecrow follows Max (Gene Hackman - The French Connection, The Conversation, Superman), an ex-con drifter with a penchant for brawling, and Lion (Al Pacino - The Insider, Serpico, Scarface),a homeless ex-sailor, as they partner up to head east together. This friendship road trip comedy/drama is directed by Jerry Schatzberg (The Panic In Needle Park, Puzzle of a Downfall Child, Street Smart) and
Episode 75: The Panic In Needle Park with Marcia Jean Kurtz
The Panic In Needle Park celebrates its 55th anniversary this month. The film tells the story of heroin addict Bobby (Al Pacino - The Godfather, Frankie & Johnny, Ocean's Thirteen) and his clean-cut girlfriend Helen (Kitty Winn - The Exorcist, Peeper, Mirrors) as they spend their time in New York's Needle Park. As their relationship grows, so too does Bobby's pressure on Helen to try drugs. Di
Episode 74: Knox Goes Away with Jane Altoids
Knox Goes Away is a crime thriller about contract killer John Knox (Michael Keaton - Beetlejuice, Batman, Spotlight), who has a rapidly evolving form of dementia. He has one last chance to redeem himself by saving the life of his estranged son Miles (James Marsden - Sonic The Hedgehog, X-Men, The Notebook). Knox is assisted by his long-time friend and former thief Xavier Crane (Al Pacino - Scarecr
Episode 73: Serpico with Kalie McAlexander
Based on real events, Serpico tells the story of honest New York cop Frank Serpico (Al Pacino - The Godfather, The Insider, Any Given Sunday), who blows the whistle on rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him.Kalie McAlexander, co-host of The Pacino Pod, joins All About Al: The Pacino Podcast to discuss this 1973 crime drama. McAlexander talks about how Serpico is
Episode 72: Glengarry Glen Ross with Tom Beasley
Glengarry Glen Ross is a drama film about real estate salesmen. It doesn't sound that interesting. However, when it's written by David Mamet (The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Untouchables, American Buffalo), directed by James Foley (Fear, Who's That Girl, At Close Range) and starring Jack Lemmon (Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, The China Syndrome), Alec Baldwin (Beetlejuice, The Hunt For Red O
Episode 71: Hangman with Michael Cassie
Hangman see homicide detective Will Ruiney (Karl Urban - Dread, Star Trek, The Boys) brings his partner Ray Archer (Al Pacino - The Godfather, Paterno, The Recruit) out of retirement to help catch a serial killer whose crimes are based on the children's game Hangman. This Police procedural thriller was released in 2017 and directed by Johnny Martin (Off The Grid, Delirium, Vengeance: A Love Story)
Episode 70: 88 Minutes with Sam Clements
88 Minutes is the (supposed) real-time thriller that had Dr. Jack Gramm (Al Pacino - The Godfather, Carlito's Way, City Hall) a forensic psychologist, help in the condemnation of a serial killer, Jon Forster (Neal McDonough - Suits, Tulsa King, Desperate Housewives). On the day of Forster's final execution, Jack receives a threat call informing him that he has 88 minutes to live.Directed by Jon Av
Episode 69: Neal Jones
According to IMDB.com, Actor Neal Jones (Dirty Dancing, Generation Kill, Rescue Me) has worked with Al Pacino four times - Glengarry Glen Ross, Looking For Richard, The Devil's Advocate and Chinese Coffee. But the truth is very different.Neal joins to podcast to discuss how he was cast in Glengarry Glen Ross, what it was like reading lines with Pacino and why he has appeared in that many films wit
Episode 68: Looking For Richard with Matt Zoller Seitz
Looking For Richard was Al Pacino's directorial debut. It explores William Shakespeare's lasting impact in pop culture, particularly the playwright's highly regarded "Richard III." The documentary includes on-the-street interviews with ordinary people and academic perspectives from Shakespearean scholars. Actors such as Kenneth Branagh (Murder on the Orient Express, Much Ado About Nothing, Harry P
Episode 67: Dead Man's Wire with David Hughes
British film critic David Hughes joins the podcast to talk about the true crime film Dead Man's Wire, now it has been released in the UK. David speaks about the normality of the characters in such an outlandish situation, why he was so surprised as to how the director managed to get the tone of the story just right and how good Pacino is even though he is literally phoning it in. David also talks
Episode 66: The Godfather Computer Game with Joseph May
The Godfather, one of the greatest films ever made, spawned a computer game in 2006. Made by Electronic Arts, it was originally released in March 2006 for Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. It was later released for the PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 3. It featured several famous actors from the film franchise reprising their roles for the computer game.But Al Pacino (Serpico,
Episode 65: The Devil's Advocate with Paul Tanter
Is The Devil a lawyer? The Devil's Advocate would have you believe so. The film tells the story of Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves - The Matrix, John Wick, Speed), a ruthless young Florida attorney who never lost a case, is recruited by the most powerful law firm in the world. But soon, his wife Mary Ann (Charlize Theron - Monster, Atomic Blonde, Mad Max: Fury Road) starts feeling homesick and seeing de
Episode 64: City Hall with Ben Mankiewicz
City Hall is directed by Harold Becker (Sea of Love, Malice, The Onion Field) and starring Al Pacino (The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, The Irishman) as New York Mayor John Pappas, whose career gets caught up when innocent boy is killed in a shootout between a policeman and a member of a mob. Even as tensions escalate, Deputy Mayor Kevin Calhoun (John Cusack - High Fidelity, Say Anything, Grosse P
Episode 63: The Insider with Brian Saur
The Insider is based on the true story of former Big Tobacco executive Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe - Gladiator, L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind). Seasoned TV producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino - Heat, The Godfather, Serpico) suspects a story lies behind Wigand's reluctance to speak. As Bergman persuades Wigand to share his knowledge of industry secrets, the two must contend with the courts a
Episode 62: Dead Man's Wire with Austin Kolodney
Dead Man's Wire is the true-story about Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgard - Nosferatu, The Crow, IT: Welcome To Derry) who, on February 8th 1977, entered the office of Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery - Stranger Things, Elvis, Power Rangers), president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him hostage with a sawed-off shotgun wired with a "dead man's wire" from the trigger to Tony's own neck.Direct
Episode 61: The Godfather Part III with Franc D'Ambrosio
The Godfather Part III was released on 26th December 1990. The final part of The Godfather saga that saw Michael Corleone (Al Pacino - Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico) decide to put an end to all the criminal activities his family is involved in. However, a mob leader refuses to let him go. Also, his nephew Vincent wants a piece of his criminal empire. It was a respectable hit at the box office. To mar
Episode 60: Heat with Jerry Trimble
Heat is, arguably, one of the greatest action films of all time. An intense movie with some spectacular shoot-out sequences coupled with a cat & mouse game between the cops and robbers. Outstanding performances from Robert De Niro (Raging Bull), Al Pacino (The Godfather), Val Kilmer (Top Gun), Tom Sizemore (Natural Born Killers), Wes Studi (Dances With Wolves), Ashley Judd (Double Jeopardy), A
Episode 59: The Recruit with Brandon Troy
The Recruit was released at a time where Al Pacino was playing a lot of surrogate father figures to young characters in his films. With this film he played Walter Burke, a recruiter for the CIA, who see's something in young computer graduate James Clayton (Colin Farrell - In Bruges). Burke takes Clayton under his wing to help weed out a mole in the agency. Released in North America at the start of
Episode 58: Two Bits with Scott Weinberg
Two Bits was released in North America in November 1995. It was directed by James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross) and starred Al Pacino (Glengarry Glen Ross), Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (Scarface) and Jerry Barrone. It told the story of Gennaro, a young boy, who wants his Grandpa's last quarter so he can go to the movies, but he must first deliver a message from his ailing Grandpa to a woman he loved
Episode 57: You Don't Know Jack with Logan Crawford
When You Don't Know Jack premiered on HBO in 2010 it caused a bit of a stir. A film about the real Dr. Jack Kervorkian, a man who helped the terminally ill and the profoundly disabled end their lives. Kervorkian was a polarizing figure, often referred to as Dr. Death. The film looked to discuss Kervorkian's work in a very open & honest manner. Written by Adam Mazer and directed
Episode 56: Angels In America with Brian Markinson
Angels In America was a huge success on stage and on TV. The HBO mini-series, adapted from the Tony Kushner play, was a huge critical and commercial hit. It won awards left, right and centre. It featured an incredible ensemble cast including Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Justin Kirk, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeffrey Wright, Patrick Wilson and many more. Actor Brian Markinson appeared in many
Episode 55: Two for the Money with Petros Patsilivas
Two for the Money is written by Dan Gilroy and directed by D.J. Caruso, it see's Matthew McConaughey play Brandon Lang, a former college football star, who aligns himself with one of the most renowned touts in the sports-gambling business, Walter Abrams (played by Al Pacino). It is loosely based on the true story of Brandon Link, a former college footballer turned sports broker.The film celebrates
Episode 54: Dog Day Afternoon with Sheila O'Malley
Dog Day Afternoon tells the story of a man, Sonny (Played by Al Pacino), and his best friend, Sal (played by John Cazale), as they decide to rob a bank to pay for Sonny's lover's sex change operation. But things don't go according to plan, Sonny & Sal end up taking hostages in a stand-off against the Police. Based on real events, this film features one of Al Pacino's greatest ever performances
Episode 53: Phil Spector with Jacqueline Cutler
The film is based on the murder trials of record producer, songwriter and musician Phil Spector. It details the complicated relationship Spector had with his defence attorney, Linda Kenney Baden. Written and directed by playwright David Mamet, this HBO movie has Al Pacino starring opposite Dame Helen Mirren in a movie that said it was "an exploration of the client–attorney relations
Episode 52: Chinese Coffee with Libby Langdon
Chinese Coffee received it's world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in 2000. So this podcast episode is celebrating it's 25th anniversary. Sort of. As it's a film that had three screenings and then disappeared. Directed by Pacino and based on the Ira Lewis play. It featured a small cast including Jerry Orbach, Susan Floyd, Ellen McElduff.One other actor who did appear in the film was Libby
Episode 51: 88 Minutes with Stephen Moyer
88 Minutes is a real-time thriller that saw Dr. Jack Gramm (Al Pacino) receive a phone call from a mysterious serial killer informing him that Gramm has just 88 minutes left to live. Directed by Jon Avnet and starring Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman, Deborah Kara Unger, Benjamin McKenzie, Stephen Moyer and Neal McDonough.British actor Stephen Moyer joins the podcast to discuss appearin
Episode 50: Donnie Brasco with Tim Robey
Donnie Brasco is based on the true story of Joe Pistone aka Donnie Brasco, who goes undercover in a New York mafia gang but finds himself being drawn more into their world thanks to his friendship with enforcer Left Ruggerio. A two-hander between Johnny Depp and Al Pacino ensures this quiet and unassuming mobster flick deserves huge praise. But is it all too often overlooked when talking about New
Episode 49: Simone with Kristen Lopez
Nobody was ready for a film about Artifical Intelligence in Hollywood back in 2002. Simone tells the story of film director Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) who creates a new female lead actress from a computer programme for his new film because the real lead actress has quit. But Taransky is being blackmailed by two reporters who know the truth. The film flopped at the box office and has, over the yea
Episode 48: Modigliani: Three Days on the Wing of Madness with Riccardo Scamarcio
Al Pacino and his producing partner Barry Navidi have been trying to make a biopic of the Italian painter & sculptor Amedeo Modigliani for decades. Either Pacino was too busy or they couldn't get the financing or the script wasn't right. To the point where they both almost gave up. That is until Pacino told his friend Johnny Depp that he should direct the film. Depp stepped up and made Modigli
Episode 47: Dick Tracy with Doug Drexler
Warren Beatty's adaptation of Dick Tracy was a huge success at the box office when it was releases in 1990. It had an all-star cast including Madonna, Dustin Hoffman, James Caan, Catherine O'Hara, Dick Van Dyke and many more. It also went on to win three Oscars including one for best make-up. To celebrate the film's 35th anniversary, Doug Drexler recalls his time working on the film as a make-up a
Episode 46: The Ritual with David Midell & Enrico Natale
Based on True Events. The Ritual is the harrowing true story of the exorcism of Emma Schmidt, and the two priests (Al Pacino, Dan Stevens) who went to war with Satan to save her soul.Director David Midell and Producer Enrico Natale (they also co-wrote the film) join the podcast to discuss making an exorcism film based on the most well documented cases in North American history. They talk about how
Episode 45: Scarface with Peter Saphier
Now recognised as one of the great crime films of all time, Scarface had a struggle getting to the big screen initially. And even upon release it never found an audience and disappeared without a trace pretty quickly. However, over time it has grown into the now legendary film about the immigrant Tony Montana coming to America to seek his fortune.Scarface producer Peter Saphier discusses what it w
Episode 44: Chinese Coffee with Sarah Lynn Dawson
Al Pacino loves Chinese Coffee. Not coffee imported from China. Instead he loves the play by Ira Lewis. So much so that he performed it many times on stage. Then decided to make a film of it starring himself and Jerry Orbach (Dirty Dancing). That's when Pacino started to struggle. Chinese Coffee is a film with an unusual road to release.To talk about the film actor Sarah Lynn Dawson (I Lost My Bod
Episode 43: Lawrence Grobel
To celebrate Al Pacino's 85th birthday on 25th April 2025, writer Lawrence Grobel joins All About Al: The Pacino Podcast to discuss his book Al Pacino: In Conversation with Lawrence Grobel. He talks about their first meeting, how their friendship developed over the decades, why he bet Al money about some cookies in a jar and what really happened when Pacino went to meet William Friedkin during th
Episode 42: Heat with Scott Mantz
Michael Mann's Heat is, arguably, one of the all-time great crime movies. It's a film that constantly invites new discussions and criticism. Bringing together two of the greatest actors of any generation - Al Pacino and Robert De Niro - for the first time ever on-screen. Heat is a triumph of realism. The film is as well known for its actors and story as it is its location, right in the heart of Lo
Episode 41: The Local Stigmatic with Wilson James
Heathcote Williams' play The Local Stigmatic was made into a feature film by Al Pacino. However, it took over five years for it to be finished and then was only shown in a handful of select screenings including it's first showing at New York's Museum of Modern Art in March 1990. The play is about two British sociopaths wo spend their days wander the dog tracks of London while also being obsessed w
Episode 40: Danny Collins with Steve Tilston
Danny Collins is a comedy with a real family drama at the heart of it. It see's Pacino's Danny Collins, a one-hit wonder from decades previous, try to rekindle his relationship with his estranged son while also playing to sold-out crowds. You'll laugh and cry at it. But sadly it is an underseen Pacino film.Now, on it's 10th anniversary (it was released March 2015), the inspiration behind the initi
Episode 39: Jack And Jill with Andy Goldenberg
Upon release in 2011, Jack And Jill was reviled by most film critics. However, it did exceptional business at the box office. Starring Adam Sandler (in both titles), Al Pacino, Katie Holmes and Eugenio Derbez, this comedy has become the stuff of internet memes thanks to one segment of the film - the Dunkaccino advert. Dancing alongside Pacino in that advert was comedian/writer/actor Andy Goldenber
Episode 38: Cruising with Dion Baia
Cruising was a notorious movie upon release. It stoked up a lot of controversy over its footage and themes of homosexuality and violence. It also bombed at the box office and started Pacino's slump for the next few years. It derailed director William Friedkin's career for a couple of years too. However, over the past decade it has started to be re-assessed by film critic and cinephiles.Joining the
Episode 37: Salome & Wilde Salome with Emily Murray
When Al Pacino became obsessed with Oscar Wilde's Salome, he didn't make it easy on himself when trying to put it on camera. Salome is a filmed version of the stage production that featured Pacino as King Herod and Jessica Chastain (Interstellar, Zero Dark Thirty, IT Chapter Two) as Salome. Wilde Salome is a behind the scenes look at trying to stage the production. While also trying to make a feat
Episode 36: Author! Author! with Elva Josephson
Author! Author! was released in 1982. It is an autobiographical film written by playwright Israel Horovitz (The Indian Wants the Bronx) and directed by Arthur Hiller (The Out-of-Towners). It starred Al Pacino as Ivan Trevalian, a playwright trying to fix his play on Broadway while also looking after his five children after his girlfriend leaves him. It's a comedy of errors mixed with a bit of roma
Episode 35: Any Given Sunday with Greg Orvis
Any Given Sunday is a huge, bombastic movie about the world of American Football, and specifically the fortunes of the Miami Sharks. It features an all-star cast including Cameron Diaz, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, Matthew Modine, John C. McGinley, Ann-Margaret, James Woods and many ex-football stars. It also features Al Pacino, and see's him deliver one of this greatest speeches in film history. It's a
Episode 34: The Godfather Part II with Gianni Russo
The Godfather Part II is unquestionably one of the greatest film sequels ever made. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, it continues to be lauded as one of the greatest crime films ever.Actor Gianni Russo, who played Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather Part I and II, joins the podcast to discuss what it was like working on the legendary films, how Al made him cry in a scene fifteen times and what Mafia
Episode 33: The Merchant Of Venice with Dr Andrea Smith
In 2004 Al Pacino lead a big screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Directed by Michael Radford (Il Postino, 1984, Flawless), it featured a star-studded mainly British cast and was a respectable hit at the worldwide box office.Lecturer in English, ex-BBC producer and authoritative voice on Shakespeare's work, Dr. Andrea Smith joins the podcast to discuss this adaptation
Episode 32: N.Y.P.D. with Robert Hooks
N.Y.P.D. was an American crime series that ran for two seasons between 1967 - 69. It centered around three New York police detectives – Lieutenant Mike Haines (Jack Warden), Detective Jeff Ward (Robert Hooks), and Detective Johnny Corso (Frank Converse) – who fight a wide range of crimes and criminals. The show featured many real New York City locations, as well as episodes based on actual New Yor
Episode 31: The Insider with Lindsay Crouse
Is The Insider one of the greatest films about whistleblowing? As it seems to be forgotten about at times when discuss movies in that genre. However, it's an outstanding contemporary thriller with two powerhouse performances from Al Pacino and Russell Crowe. Actor Lindsay Crouse (Slap Shot, The Arrival, Mr Brooks) joins ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST to talk appearing in the film as Sharon Tille
Episode 30: Al Pacino's autobiography - Sonny Boy
Sonny Boy is the autobiography from Al Pacino. In this memoir he talks about landing his first lead role in The Panic In Needle Park, then onto The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and The Godfather Pt II. From the 1970s highs to the 1980s lows of Cruising, Revolution and Scarface. Then back to some of his greatest works including Dick Tracy, Heat, Glengarry Glen Ross, Donnie Brasco, The Merc
Episode 29: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood with Dan Jolin
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood features a brief yet memorable performance from Al Pacino as acting agent Marvin Schwarz. Which isn't bad considering he is up against Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Film critic and author of Quentin Tarantino: The Unofficial Guide Dan Jolin joins the podcast to discuss Pacino's performance and the film itself. He also talks about helping rank Al Paci
Episode 28: ...And Justice For All with Chip Miller
...And Justice For All was originally released in October 1979. A courtroom drama with elements of slapstick comedy in it. It featured a large cast including John Forsythe (Dynasty, Charlie's Angels, Scrooged), Jack Warden (Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait, Brian's Song), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development, Transparent, The Hangover), Lee Strasberg (The Godfather, Going In Style, The Cassandra Crossing)
Episode 27: The Irishman with Brian Tallerico
The Irishman is, arguably, the last great mob movie. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Killers of the Flower Moon) and features a huge ensemble cast including Robert De Niro (Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, A Bronx Tale), Joe Pesci (Casino, Goodfellas, Home Alone), Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, The Piano), Anna Paquin (X-Men, True Blood, The Piano), Stephen Graham (Thi
Episode 26: Ocean's Thirteen with Amon Warmann
Ocean's Thirteen may not reinvent the heist movie. However, everyone involved had a damn good time making it. The third outing of Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his gang saw them face off against casino owner Will Bank (Al Pacino) as they looked to get their own back after Bank double-crosses one of Ocean's team. Released in 2007, Ocean's Thirteen was met with favourable reviews and a decent box
Episode 25: Empire Magazine with Nick de Semlyen
Empire Magazine has been at the forefront of film journalism since it's inception in the 1990s. It has featured so many interviews with the great and good of the film & TV world. In 2019, one of it's big pieces was an interview with Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Martin Scorsese for their forthcoming crime epic THE IRISHMAN. It was tasked to Nick de Semlyen to interview all of them o
Episode 24: Carlito's Way with Viggo Mortensen
Carlito's Way is another classic crime movie that Al Pacino has made during his illustrious career. It tells the story of a gangster who tries to go straight and tries to win back the woman he loved & lost. Along the way Carlito's old enemies, and friends, return to try and tempt him back to his old life.One of those old friends is Lalin, a wheelchair user, tries to trap Carlito into talking a
Episode 23: The Godfather Part III with Roxana Hadadi
The Godfather Part III receives a lot of criticism. Many were not interested in seeing Michael try to find redemption and live a clean life. However, if viewed as an epilogue, as Coppola suggested, then it gives new life to the film. Also, it shows a man trying to do right by the family he has neglected his whole life. It features a different type of performance from Pacino, one where Michael is f
Episode 22: The Godfather Part II with Jen Johans
The Godfather Part II is seen as one of the greatest sequels ever made. It features Al Pacino reprising his role as Michael Corleone alongside Robert De Niro playing a young Vito Corleone. It's about the rise and fall of the Corleone family. Ambitious and epic in scope is The Godfather Part II.Film critic Jen Johans joins the podcast to discuss this iconic sequel. Johans talks about is the sequel
Episode 21: The Godfather with Katie Smith-Wong
The Godfather is arguably the greatest film ever made. An absolute masterpiece. It helped kick-start Al Pacino's career with his masterful portrayal of Michael Corleone. So much has been written about the The Godfather, mainly by men. So, film critic Katie Smith-Wong joins the podcast to discuss this legendary film from a female perspective. Katie talks about how she see's Michael not as a husband
Episode 20: The Panic in Needle Park with John Bleasdale
The Panic in Needle Park was Al Pacino's first starring role in the movies. It's a story of Heroin addict Bobby (Pacino) and his clean-cut girlfriend Helen (Kitty Winn) as they frequent the area in New York known as Needle Park. Directed by Jerry Schatzberg and written by husband/wife duo John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion. Released in North America in 1971. The film and it's director were nominat
Episode 19: Axis Sally with Swen Temmel
American Traitor: The Trail of Axis Sally tells the true story of Mildred Gillars (played by Meadow Williams), who was forced to sing defeatist war propaganda tracks by the Nazis. She was captured by the Americans and sent to trail. Her lawyer James Laughlin (played by Al Pacino) tries to redeem her reputation.This little seen historical drama was released during 2021, when the world was caught up
Episode 18: The Devil's Advocate with Simon Thompson
Al Pacino playing the Devil should be a big enough sell to anyone. Add into the mix Keanu Reeves, as the hot-shot lawyer who is seduced by a big-time New York City law firm, and Charlize Theron, as his wife who begins to be plagued by visions and nightmares. It's a film that speaks about vanity, ego, greed, jealousy, lust and the loss of innocence. It also features some excellent scene chewing fro
Episode 17: Glengarry Glen Ross with James Foley
Glengarry Glen Ross features an all-star cast including Alan Arkin, Alec Baldwin, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Jonathan Pryce and, of course, Al Pacino. Based on David Mamet's play about real estate salesmen trying to get even with their bosses by stealing the good sales leads.Director James Foley joins the podcast to discuss working on the film. He talks about how he first met Pacino, what it was like
Episode 16: The Pacino Pod
To celebrate the birthday of Al Pacino (25th April 1940), All About Al: The Pacino Podcast welcomes Jane and Kalie from The Pacino Pod to discuss the man himself and why his filmography is so fascinating. A wide-ranging discussion that takes in a lot of Pacino's work and where Jane and Kalie stand on the good, and not so good, performances he has given through the years.All About Al: The Pacino Po
Episode 15: Any Given Sunday with Leslie Pitt
Any Given Sunday is a exhilarating film about an American Football team. It see's Al Pacino play the coach of the Miami Sharks, an embattle coach who is trying to get his team to all pull in the right direction. He also faces problems from the team's new owner. It's on and off the field turmoil.The film features a huge ensemble cast including Jamie Foxx, Dennis Quaid, James Woods, LL Cool J, Mathe
Episode 14: BSKYB Advert with Peter Lydon
It's rare for Al Pacino to appear in an advert. However, in 2013 he made an advert for Sky in the UK. A brief 1 minute advert advertising their broadband service. It was directed by Peter Lydon.Lydon joins the podcast to discuss making the advert with Pacino. In this discussion, peter talks about how involved Al was with the process, what it was liking directing him and why he received late-night
Episode 13: Insomnia with James King
Insomnia seems to be the forgotten Christopher Nolan film when discussing the directors filmography. But it stars Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank - three Academy Award winners. How can it be forgotten/overlooked?BBC Radio 2 film critic James King joins the podcast to discuss why Insomnia is such an intense film, how Pacino's performance is so natural and what makes this a great remake.A
Episode 12: Dog Day Afternoon with Sandra Kazan
Dog Day Afternoon is one of Al Pacino's greatest films. It still stands the test of time today. Based on the true story of two friends who try to rob a bank. But the robbery doesn't go according to plan. Released in 1975 and starring Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Penelope Allen and more. It was written for the screen by Frank Pierson and directed by Sidney Lumet.Actor Sandra Kazan discu
Episode 11: Frankie & Johnny with Helen Cox
Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer re-team for a rom-com set in a diner in New York City. Adapted from the Broadway play by Terence McNally and directed for the screen by Garry Marshall, it see's Johnny, just released from prison, gets a job in a diner and falls for a waitress named Frankie. He is a bit of a loner and keeps to himself but is determined that their romance will blossom.Romance and myst
Episode 10: Scarecrow with Garry Michael White
Writer Garry Michael White used his own experiences to write the story for Scarecrow. The film depicted two lone guys joining up to trek across America. It was Al Pacino's third lead role and it placed him opposite Gene Hackman. However, troubles between the two actors and studio interference caused problems when making the film. However, it went on to win the Palme D'or award at the 1973 Cannes F
Episode 9: Righteous Kill with Blake Howard
Righteous Kill saw the re-teaming of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro after the masterpiece that is Heat. However, their second film together wasn't well received by critics and audiences alike. Australian film critic Blake Howard joins the podcast to discuss what went right and wrong with the film, who is having a good time making the film and why he has never seen the film before.All About Al: The P
Episode 8: Carlito's Way with Rozalla
Singer/Songwriter Rozalla sang the theme song for Carlito's Way. She also had two amazing experiences with Pacino. She explains how she came to record the theme song, what it was like first meeting Pacino and how their second meeting at the film's premiere was show-stopping.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
Episode 7: Al Pacino figures with Chris Sully
Al Pacino doesn't get many figures dedicated to him or his characters from toy manufacturers. As it is coming up to the gift giving season and maybe some are looking for an Al Pacino figure for their collection, I talk to ex-Funko marketing guru Chris Sully about what makes a successful Funko Pop, why there are so few Al Pacino figures and whether the man himself would need to give authorisation f
Episode 6: Scarface with Pepe Serna
As Scarface celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, actor Pepe Serna talks about appearing in the film. He discusses how he got the role as Angel Fernandez, Tony Montana's right hand man, what it was like working with Pacino and why he think the film is now bigger than ever.This episode of the podcast ties in with the 4k re-release of Scarface in UK cinemas. Here are the programme notes: https
Episode 5: Angels In America with Victoria Luxford
Film critic Victoria Luxford talks about her love of the mini-series Angels In America. The show is about several disparate but connected individuals who go through the AIDS crisis in the mid-1980s. The first three episodes premiered on HBO on 7th December 2003. The following week would see the remaining three episodes air. The show would go on to win many awards for its cast and crew.Luxford disc
Episode 4: Carlito's Way with Alan Jones
International film critic, broadcaster, author and journalist Alan Jones joins the podcast to talk about Carlito's Way. Jones discusses why he thinks Carlito's Way is one of the best movies to feature disco in it and how it gets it right. He also talks about interviewing Brian De Palma and why the director will never forget him. This episode is released to tie-in with the film's 30th annivers
Episode 3: House of Gucci with Roberto Bentivegna
Roberto Bentivegna co-wrote the screenplay for House of Gucci. Based on shocking real events, the drama is about the Gucci family and how the Italian fashion dynasty was brought to it's knees thanks to betrayal, decadence, revenge -- and ultimately murder.Bentivegna talks about how he worked closely with director Ridley Scott on each draft of the screenplay, who he had in mind for the character of
Episode 2: Bobby Deerfield with Marthe Keller
Marthe Keller co-starred with Al Pacino in the race car melodrama Bobby Deerfield. Playing the impulsive and enigmatic Lillian, who Pacino's Deerfield falls for while struggling to overcome grief. Yet Lillian has a dark secret herself.Keller talks about how she had to audition for Pacino, what their relationship was like during filming, and afterwards, and why she thinks director Sydney Pollack's
Episode 1: Scent of a Woman with Gabrielle Anwar
Gabrielle Anwar starred in Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino. Her screen time might have been less than fifteen minutes, yet her appearance is one of the most iconic sequences from an Al Pacino movie.Anwar discusses how she got the role in the film, what training she went through and what it was like dancing toe-to-toe with Al Pacino. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented
All About Al: The Pacino podcast teaser trailer
COMING SOON! September 2023. A brand new podcast series about the career of Al Pacino. Presented by film critic and Al Pacino: The Movies Behind The Man author Mark Searby, this fortnightly podcast series will be a deep dive into the work of the iconic actor. It will feature interviews with actors, directors, producers, film critics and academic scholars. All About Al: The Pacino podcast begins on
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