Al Pacino, an Oscar-winning titan of cinema, reflects on his South Bronx upbringing and nearly passing on The Godfather Part II. He shares personal anecdotes about family and trauma, while promoting his memoir, Sonny Boy. Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, dives into her challenging roles in The Outrun and Blitz, including her intense experience of birthing lambs on set. Both guests provide rich insights into the emotional depths of acting and the personal struggles they portray.
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Pacino's Godfather Performance
Al Pacino's chilling performance in The Godfather involved subtle gestures and stillness.
This powerful portrayal was instinctive, surprising even Pacino himself.
question_answer ANECDOTE
South Bronx Antics
Al Pacino and his friends engaged in reckless behavior in the South Bronx, throwing trash at passersby from rooftops.
Being chased was a regular part of his childhood.
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Maternal Influence
Pacino credits his mother for keeping him away from drugs, a significant problem among his peers.
He later realized his mother's influence on his survival and success.
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Al Pacino's memoir, "Sunny Boy," offers an intimate look into the life and career of one of Hollywood's most iconic actors. The book details his upbringing in the South Bronx, his early struggles and triumphs in the theater, and his journey to becoming a celebrated film star. Pacino reflects on his most famous roles, his relationships with fellow actors and directors, and his personal life. The memoir provides candid insights into his creative process, his anxieties, and his enduring passion for acting. It's a compelling narrative of ambition, perseverance, and the complexities of a life lived in the public eye.
The outrun
Amy Liptrot
The Outrun is a memoir by Amy Liptrot that chronicles her return to Orkney, her childhood home, after more than a decade of battling alcoholism in London. The book combines nature writing with self-reflection, detailing her rehabilitation and newfound connection with the natural world. Liptrot describes her experiences tracking Orkney's wildlife, swimming in the icy Atlantic waters, and reconnecting with her parents. The memoir is praised for its honest and lyrical prose, offering a moving account of addiction, recovery, and the healing power of nature[2][3][6].
Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino talks with Terry Gross about growing up in the South Bronx with a single mother and The Godfather, and why he almost passed on Part II. His new memoir is Sonny Boy.
Also, we hear from Saoirse Ronan. She stars in two new films: The Outrun, about a young woman struggling to get sober, and the World War II drama, Blitz. She spoke with contributor Ann Marie Baldonado about the roles, as well as the most intense on set experience she's ever had — birthing lambs.
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