By Emanuela Del Zompo
(Moving Pictures Human Spirit issue, winter 2008/2009)

Kind and cordial, superstar Al Pacino put on no airs when he appeared for the third edition of the Rome International Film Festival. His actions matched his words as he enthusiastically signed autographs while telling the crowds that he was eager to participate and talk about cinema. The acclaimed actor, whose lengthy list of laurels includes an Oscar and AFI's Life Achievement Award, began by discussing his recent projects, then spoke about the film chosen to open the festival, of which he was both lead and director: Chinese Coffee.

"It is great fun working on a theater piece, which is then revisited in a film," said Pacino of the play, developed by the renowned Actors Studio, that he made into a movie in 2000. "Chinese Coffee is a dialogue between two men who've reached their final years and feel their lives have been a failure. Their interaction has existential overtones."

Co-stars Pacino and fellow New York acting legend Jerry Orbach - who passed away four years ago - wield words in wicked thrust and counterthrust to delve deeply into the human condition. Coffee was released by Fox in 2007 as part of a boxed DVD set that includes other films directed by Pacino as well as Babbleonia, a special DVD in which Pacino chats about Actors Studio, where he and other acting luminaries such as Ellen Burstyn, Marlon Brando, Eli Wallach and Ben Gazzara honed their craft.

Moving Pictures: You're here at the Rome Film Festival in part to talk about Actors Studio. How does someone become part of that prestigious institution?
Pacino: Actors Studio is a world-famous course; the biggest stars from around the world have attended it. It's the place for anyone who wants to become an actor. It's open to everyone to apply, and then selection is based on audition. You know that if you "win" a place, you can be part of an exclusive club that's unique in the world!

MPM: What was your relationship with iconic Actors Studio coach Lee Strasberg?
Pacino: Over the 60 years [since the organization was founded], Actors Studio has offered courses that let you experiment. Not only in reading a part, but in interacting with other actors and directors and anyone working in cinema. Actors Studio became a meeting place with people you would never meet in normal life.

However, to return to Lee, when I read with him as my teacher, our relationship was like friends. But sometimes, working with him made me nervous because he was the guru of actors. He never judged my work; we worked cooperatively, and he never gave me instructions.

For me, it was a great opportunity. I remember one day that I came in late during a shooting, and he told me that I should learn all the cues by memory.

MPM: With all of his contributions to the craft, how does Lee Strasberg want to be remembered?
Pacino: As an actor!

MPM: What do you think of the advances in filmmaking technology?
Pacino: I'm ambivalent. Cinema is a way to give art expression to communicate emotions, and that goes hand in hand with the pace of market trends. The new tools allow a new means of expression in film, perhaps, or a new way to create the art ... but I'm not so well up on the changing technology.

MPM: What is your relationship with young players? Do they see you as the Big Star?
Pacino: I like being a mentor. I always try to establish a friendly relationship with the young actors who are looking to learn something from me. I often see in their faces the feeling I had when I was working with the great Marlon Brando, and I can identify with their emotions. But I have to say that today's young people seem more self-conscious, so it's up to us to put them at ease when we're working together.

Many times, I'll go out to dinner with them so we can get to know each other, because I think that's essential for a good collaboration.

MPM: What does it mean to you to receive the Marc'Aurelio Acting Award here in Rome?
Pacino: It's an honor to be remembered for the good work I've done. I'm proud to have received here in Italy, and happy to have the opportunity to see friends.

MPM: You've built an illustrious career in both theater and cinema. Do you have a preference between the two?
Pacino: Theater. I come from the theater. I worked there many years, and I love the live audience, the emotions I feel directly from them!

MPM: What is important in developing your character?
Pacino: Watch the director's face. [Laughs] It's important to think about the acting and remembering the cues, but above all find the path that lets your unconscious enter the character. You need to free your unconscious; at least, I do.

MPM: Have you ever stayed in that character after the film was completed?
Pacino: Oh, yes, I did when I was young. The spirit of my character took possession of me and didn't leave me. With experience, this doesn't happen any more. However, it also helps that I do other things besides cinema. Above all, you have to let go of the character when the job is finished.

MPM: Otherwise the character could change the way you live in the real world. But what about the acting we all do in life?
Pacino: In real life, we act; in cinema, we pursue truth. Acting always involves a struggle to find the positive, but I would not suggest you live your life like a movie. -MPM

Photo top copyright Alessandra Benedetti & Corbis