cover of episode Best Of: Al Pacino / Saoirse Ronan

Best Of: Al Pacino / Saoirse Ronan

2024/11/9
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Key Insights

Why did Al Pacino almost turn down the role in 'The Godfather Part II'?

Pacino initially found the script for 'The Godfather Part II' to be subpar and was hesitant to commit. It was only after Francis Ford Coppola rewrote the script that Pacino agreed to take on the role.

How did Saoirse Ronan prepare for her role in 'The Outrun'?

Ronan physically immersed herself in the role by learning to assist in lambing and swimming in freezing waters, which were integral parts of her character's journey to sobriety.

What was the inspiration behind Steve McQueen's film 'Blitz'?

McQueen was inspired by a photograph of a young black boy on a train station platform during World War II, which led him to explore the stories of children left behind in London during the Blitz.

How did Saoirse Ronan's early life in New York influence her ability to do accents?

Growing up in New York exposed Ronan to various accents from a young age, making her more adaptable and skilled at mimicking different dialects throughout her career.

What was the turning point for Al Pacino in understanding the impact of his mother's influence?

Pacino had a realization at age 52 while shaving, understanding that his mother's decisions and presence in his life were crucial to his survival and success.

What challenges did Al Pacino face during the filming of 'The Godfather Part II'?

Pacino struggled with his personal life and substance use during the filming, finding it difficult to maintain the emotional and psychological state required for his role as Michael Corleone.

How did Saoirse Ronan's character in 'The Outrun' cope with her alcohol addiction?

Ronan's character, Rona, tried various methods to get sober, including rehab, moving back to her family's farm, and eventually isolating herself on a remote island to focus on nature conservation.

What was the most intense on-set experience Saoirse Ronan had during the filming of 'The Outrun'?

Ronan's most intense experience was assisting in lambing, where she had to pull lambs out of ewes, an experience she found both challenging and humbling.

How did Al Pacino's upbringing in the South Bronx shape his early life?

Pacino grew up in a tough environment in the South Bronx, where he was surrounded by friends who didn't survive due to drug-related deaths, and he often found himself in dangerous situations, such as rooftop antics and being chased by locals.

What role did Saoirse Ronan's parents' careers play in her family's move back to Ireland?

Ronan's father, who started as a construction worker and later became an actor, found more opportunities in the growing Irish film industry, which influenced the family's decision to return to Ireland for better support and a more stable life.

Chapters

Al Pacino discusses his childhood in the South Bronx, his mother's influence, and the challenges he faced growing up, which deeply impacted his career and personal life.
  • Pacino grew up in the South Bronx with a single mother and experienced a tough environment.
  • His mother's influence and protection played a crucial role in his life.
  • Pacino's childhood experiences, including the loss of friends to drug-related deaths, had a profound impact on him.

Shownotes Transcript

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)