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.
Al Pacino discusses his challenging upbringing in the South Bronx, crediting his mother for guiding him away from destructive influences.
Saoirse Ronan emphasizes the importance of portraying nuanced addiction narratives and the emotional complexities of her characters in her latest films.
Deep dives
Al Pacino's Journey and the Impact of His Upbringing
Al Pacino reflects on his formative years growing up in the South Bronx, where he was raised by a single mother with limited financial means. He describes a tough childhood filled with influences from a rough environment, noting that several close friends succumbed to drug-related deaths, illustrating the harsh realities of his neighborhood. Pacino credits his mother for keeping him grounded and steering him away from those destructive paths, emphasizing her crucial role in his life and success. Although his mother passed away before witnessing his rise to fame, Pacino acknowledges her profound influence on his journey, viewing her as the backbone of his achievements.
The Art of Acting and Transformation in 'The Godfather'
Pacino discusses his iconic role as Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather,' highlighting the character's gradual transformation from a reluctant outsider to a hardened leader of the crime family. He recalls key scenes that required him to embody a powerful, stoic presence, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining stillness while conveying intensity. The actor reflects on how his instincts guided his performance rather than conscious choices, leading to moments that felt authentic and deeply resonant. Despite this iconic role, Pacino notes the complexities of his personal struggles during filming, revealing how balancing his character's emotional detachment mirrored challenges in his own life.
Saoirse Ronan's Commitment to Authenticity in 'The Outrun'
Saoirse Ronan shares her motivation for portraying a young woman battling alcoholism in 'The Outrun,' based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot. She expresses appreciation for the nuanced depiction of addiction, which allowed her to explore the whole person rather than just the struggle. Ronan vividly recounts the rigorous preparations she undertook, including physically engaging in sheep farming to authentically portray her character's background. This dedication to realism in her performance is matched by her emotional connection to the character, making the narrative both relatable and enlightening.
Exploring Diverse Perspectives in 'Blitz'
In the film 'Blitz,' Saoirse Ronan plays a mother navigating the dangers of wartime London while trying to protect her son during the German bombing campaigns. The story portrays the impact of war on families, particularly the overlooked experiences of women and children left behind. Ronan notes how the film diverges from traditional World War II narratives by focusing on a mixed-race family and the societal challenges they face. The powerful visual storytelling and emotional depth in the film underscore the struggles of maintaining hope amidst chaos, highlighting the bond between mother and child against the backdrop of historical turmoil.
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.