Al Pacino (New York, 1940) is a famous American actor and film director, one of the most acclaimed in recent decades.
His professional career spans more than 50 years and he has obtained all possible awards and merits. He rose to tremendous fame with his role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Among his most memorable films are Scarface (1983), Scent of a Woman (1992), The Insider (1999), Heat (1995) and Insomnia (2002), among many others.
Through this article we are going to know the best phrases of Al Pacino to get a little closer to the human facet of this unique actor who has starred in so many great films.
1. I always tell the truth, even when I lie.
Great phrase from Tony Montana’s character, a mafia magnate with delusions of grandeur.
2. Vanity is my favorite sin.
From his film “The Devil’s Advocate”.
3. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
Better to keep them close and watch them carefully.
4. I don’t think vanity has anything to do with being an actor. Acting is less about yourself and more about what you are trying to communicate.
A great reflection by Al Pacino about the acting profession, commonly associated with people with a certain narcissistic trait.
5. He wasn’t prepared for fame. It hit me hard and I didn’t have the ability to deal with it.
About its beginnings, when it became tremendously popular overnight.
6. I don’t need bodyguards. I’m from the South Bronx.
A tough guy raised in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York.
7. There is no happiness, there is only concentration.
Curious conception of happiness, according to Al Pacino.
8. There have been a lot of doubts and unwanted events in my life.
Several circumstances in Pacino’s life have been cruel.
9. My weaknesses are… I wish I could say something. I would probably pause the same way if you asked me what my strengths are.
Between humility and braggadocio, Pacino doesn’t know how to define himself exactly.
10. I have often said that there are two types of actors. The most gregarious and the most shy.
Brief reflection between the personalities of the interpreters.
21. It is easy to deceive the eyes, but it is difficult to deceive the heart.
Romantic phrase that the American actor does not seem to have been able to pronounce.
22. For me it’s not about who you love – a man, a woman – it’s the fact that you love. That’s what really matters.
In favor of sexual freedom.
23. Sometimes it is better to be with the demon you know than with the angel you don’t know.
Better known bad…
24. I have never liked recognition, questions, publicity. I have often felt like running away and hiding.
Another phrase from Pacino in which he shows us that he does not enjoy being known.
25. The hardest thing about being famous is that people are always nice to you. You’re in a conversation and everyone agrees with what you say, even if you say something totally crazy. You need people who can tell you what you don’t want to hear.
One of the drawbacks of being Al Pacino: no one contradicts you.
26. Power exhausts those who do not have it. (The Godfather)
Only the victims curse him.
27. Always try to think as those around you think, with that basis everything is possible. (The Godfather)
Anticipating the movements of others is the key to a good strategist.
28. I’ll tell you something about God: He’s the worst landlord in the world.
Ironic phrase that makes us sense his atheism.
29. I am very shy now. I wear sunglasses wherever I go.
About his lack of willingness to be recognized in public places.
30. In life you have to know three things: not to beg anyone for anything, not to trust anyone and not to expect anything from anyone.
Three maxims for a life without surprises or unfulfilled expectations.
31. I am an actor, not a star. Stars are people who live in Hollywood and have heart-shaped swimming pools.
His view on fame.
32. Theater for me was once a lifestyle.
He exudes a certain nostalgia for the noble art of theater.
33. Shakespeare’s plays are more violent than Scarface.
A brutal comparison with the British writer.
34. Embodying a character is an illusion and I feel that when you know a lot about a person, possibly part of that illusion is broken.
In love with his job, he draws this parallel with real life.
35. The actor becomes an emotional athlete. The process is painful: my personal life suffers.
About the suffering associated with playing certain characters.
36. Living in the Bronx teaches you that life is hard, but it toughens you to be able to face it.
Extracted from an interview, it tells us about its origins.
