The co-star Al Pacino labelled a “great artist”
Enjoying a career that has lasted over five decades and included some of the most widely adored, generation-defining performances of all time, Al Pacino has found himself working alongside some of the brightest talents in Hollywood history. While his own roles are considered some of the most important in cinema’s long and winding story, he had another talent, too.
Pacino’s brilliance isn’t just in his iconic performances but in the way he elevates his co-stars, turning scenes into electrifying duels of talent. From his searing intensity alongside Robert De Niro in Heat and, more recently, The Irishman, which are perhaps his most famous, there is far more nuance to his delivery than many give him credit for. His presence is a masterclass in controlled fury, yet he knows when to step back, allowing the likes of Chris O’Donnell in Scent of a Woman or Johnny Depp in Donnie Brasco to shine.
Pacino’s acting grandeur lies in his ability to create a dynamic interplay, where every glance and word feels like part of a meticulously crafted symphony. Whether he’s playing a ruthless mobster or a weary cop, Pacino brings out the best in his co-stars, ensuring that the films he’s in are nothing short of cinematic gold. But, when accepting his AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, Pacino paid special tribute to his co-star in The Godfather, Diane Keaton.
The Godfather, notably regarded as the finest mobster movie ever made, is often cited for its magical performances, if not the single greatest entry in celluloid history. Of course, the titular anti-hero of Don Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, is perhaps one of the most impersonated characters of all time, while the intensity of Pacino’s Michael Corleone is also often cited as one of the greats. However, there is a lot to be said about Keaton’s role as Kay Adams.
As Michael descends from the picture of an ultimate war hero into the cruel and ruthless mob boss his father had always hoped for, Kay is the tragic witness to his downfall. Their quiet chemistry on screen is truly masterful, as Keaton perfectly displays the innocence being lost from their relationship through her portrayal of Kay and the disillusionment with the future she sees laid out before her.
Pacino’s ability to hold an entire scene of silence with simply his eyes is well-known, but Keaton matches this intensity with a unique balance of vulnerability and frustration in the scenes they share. The dynamic of the fictional couple they create—balanced with love, tension and fear—underpins the movie’s humanity. Arguably, it is the reason The Godfather doesn’t simply fall into the category of a ‘gangster flick’. When collecting his award, Pacino acknowledged this and their friendship.
“Hi, Di! Good seeing you,” recalled the clearly nervous Pacino as he came to the stage and the screen showed his co-star. “I like your hat. I have to say, I have a lot of memories with Diane. I guess, I feel as though I’ve known you my whole life.” Like any true friend, Keaton was there for Pacino through the good and bad times, and for the actor, one guaranteed bad time is when he has to conduct an interview.
“I remember leaving the house once, and I had an interview,” Pacino explained. “And I’m very uncomfortable here, of course. But, at interviews, I’m even more uncomfortable, believe it or not. And I was going, we discussed it a little bit, and she was very encouraging – helping me along. I was leaving. And as I was leaving, she called out to me, said: ‘Al! You’re going to be okay. Just remember: whatever you do, don’t say you’re an artist.'”
It was a canny piece of advice. The 1970s saw a rise in serious filmmaking for cinema audiences. This was the decade when making mainstream movies became more akin to art than ever. As filmmakers and actors became more focused on their craft, journalists were often waiting for a primadonna artiste to make a fool of themselves.
But, in the safety of receiving his award, Pacino felt it was now time to utter those words about his beloved friend and co-star: “I really appreciated it. It was good advice, Di. But I have to say now, dare I say it? Forgive me. You’re an artist, Di. You’re a great artist. I remember it, and I love it. And I love you, forever.”
It’s hard to say where Al Pacino’s career would have been without The Godfather. The movie undoubtedly catapulted his star into the Hollywood sky. But one thing is for sure, without Diane Keaton, that star wouldn’t have been so bright.
