Sign in
TV & Film
Mark Searby
All About Al: The Pacino podcast takes a look at the film, TV and stage career of Al Pacino. Presented by film critic and Al Pacino: The Movies Behind The Man author Mark Searby, the podcast will be a deep dive into the work of the iconic actor. Featuring interviews with actors, directors, producers, singers and many more that have worked closely with Pacino through the years. They will discuss what it is like working with the legendary performer.The podcast will also feature film critics and academic scholars from around the world as they discuss the films and themes of Al Pacino's work.All About Al: The Pacino podcast is the ultimate insider's guide to the career of a Hollywood actor who continues to dazzle, inspire and awe audiences the world over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Total 32 episodes
1
Episode 32: N.Y.P.D. with Robert Hooks
N.Y.P.D. was an American crime series that ran for two seasons between 1967 - 69. It centered around three New York police detectives – Lieutenant Mike Haines (Jack Warden), Detective Jeff Ward (Robert Hooks), and Detective Johnny Corso (Frank Converse) – who fight a wide range of crimes and criminals. The show featured many real New York City locations, as well as episodes based on actual New York City police cases.In the episode called 'Deadly Circle of Violence', which was broadcast as episode 5 in the second season, Al Pacino made his screen debut as he played a Student from the South who was being blamed for the bombing of a Black church. The episode also featured Pacino's at the time girlfriend Jilly Clayburgh. Robert Hook, who played one of the lead detectives in the show joins the podcast to discuss the show, acting opposite newcomer Al Pacino and also their brief times hanging out together talking acting. Robert also talks about another member of the Hooks family who appears in the episode.ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27:2218/11/2024
Episode 31: The Insider with Lindsay Crouse
Is The Insider one of the greatest films about whistleblowing? As it seems to be forgotten about at times when discuss movies in that genre. However, it's an outstanding contemporary thriller with two powerhouse performances from Al Pacino and Russell Crowe. Actor Lindsay Crouse (Slap Shot, The Arrival, Mr Brooks) joins ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST to talk appearing in the film as Sharon Tiller, the partner of Pacino's Lowell Bergman. Crouse discusses what it was like working with Pacino so closely, why she is slightly disappointed one scene in particularly didn't go deeper and how her friendship with Pacino hasn't changed over the decades.ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:0804/11/2024
Episode 30: Al Pacino's autobiography - Sonny Boy
Sonny Boy is the autobiography from Al Pacino. In this memoir he talks about landing his first lead role in The Panic In Needle Park, then onto The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and The Godfather Pt II. From the 1970s highs to the 1980s lows of Cruising, Revolution and Scarface. Then back to some of his greatest works including Dick Tracy, Heat, Glengarry Glen Ross, Donnie Brasco, The Merchant of Venice and many more. Pacino also talks about his love of the stage, how The Actor's Studio helped him hone his craft and his love of Shakespeare.Sonny Boy is the memoir of a man who has nothing left to fear and nothing left to hide.I delve into the book and pick out some key points, tidbits and some funny stories.All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:4415/10/2024
Episode 29: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood with Dan Jolin
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood features a brief yet memorable performance from Al Pacino as acting agent Marvin Schwarz. Which isn't bad considering he is up against Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Film critic and author of Quentin Tarantino: The Unofficial Guide Dan Jolin joins the podcast to discuss Pacino's performance and the film itself. He also talks about helping rank Al Pacino movies for an issue of Empire magazine.ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:3607/10/2024
Episode 28: ...And Justice For All with Chip Miller
...And Justice For All was originally released in October 1979. A courtroom drama with elements of slapstick comedy in it. It featured a large cast including John Forsythe (Dynasty, Charlie's Angels, Scrooged), Jack Warden (Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait, Brian's Song), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development, Transparent, The Hangover), Lee Strasberg (The Godfather, Going In Style, The Cassandra Crossing), Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope, Law & Order, Running On Empty).It told the story of Defence attorney Arthur Kirkland (Pacino) who finds himself in a crisis of conscious and ethics when he is forced to defend a judge in a rape case who could be guilty.To discuss the film's 45th anniversary, ex-actor-turned-producer/director Chip Miller joins the podcast. Chip talks about how he got the role of long haired Priest, why he was in another Pacino movie before ...And Justice For All and what it was like watching Al Pacino act in one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:0923/09/2024
Episode 27: The Irishman with Brian Tallerico
The Irishman is, arguably, the last great mob movie. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Killers of the Flower Moon) and features a huge ensemble cast including Robert De Niro (Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, A Bronx Tale), Joe Pesci (Casino, Goodfellas, Home Alone), Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, The Piano), Anna Paquin (X-Men, True Blood, The Piano), Stephen Graham (This Is England, Snatch, Boiling Point) and many more. It also stars Al Pacino in his first ever team-up with Scorsese. Something film fans have been waiting years for. Based on the memoir of Frank Sheeran, a mob enforcer who became friends with legendary teamster Jimmy Hoffa.Film Critic Brian Tallerico, managing editor of rogerebert.com, joins the podcast to discuss this crime film. Brian explains the history of Hoffa and how it fits into his life, what this film means when it comes to Scorsese's output and why Pacino's performance is quite understated in the film. Brian also asks an interesting question about role reversals. All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:3209/09/2024
Episode 26: Ocean's Thirteen with Amon Warmann
Ocean's Thirteen may not reinvent the heist movie. However, everyone involved had a damn good time making it. The third outing of Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his gang saw them face off against casino owner Will Bank (Al Pacino) as they looked to get their own back after Bank double-crosses one of Ocean's team. Released in 2007, Ocean's Thirteen was met with favourable reviews and a decent box office. It also saw Al Pacino appear in his first ever sequel outside of The Godfather saga.To discuss Ocean's Thirteen, film critic Amon Warmann joins the podcast. Amon discusses how good a villain Willy Bank is, the ruthlessness that Pacino brings to the character and if he could ever see another appearance for Bank in a future Ocean's movie.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:5726/08/2024
Episode 25: Empire Magazine with Nick de Semlyen
Empire Magazine has been at the forefront of film journalism since it's inception in the 1990s. It has featured so many interviews with the great and good of the film & TV world. In 2019, one of it's big pieces was an interview with Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Martin Scorsese for their forthcoming crime epic THE IRISHMAN. It was tasked to Nick de Semlyen to interview all of them over a period of a couple of months ready for the October 2019 issue of the magazine.Nick joins the podcast to discuss what it was like interviewing all those legendary actors and the iconic director, why his fifteen minute phone call with Pacino turned into nearly an hour and how he got the more than he bargained for with the interviews and subsequent articles.Nick also talks about the April 2023 issue of Empire where some of the magazine's writers tried to rank the top ten Al Pacino movies.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:4612/08/2024
Episode 24: Carlito's Way with Viggo Mortensen
Carlito's Way is another classic crime movie that Al Pacino has made during his illustrious career. It tells the story of a gangster who tries to go straight and tries to win back the woman he loved & lost. Along the way Carlito's old enemies, and friends, return to try and tempt him back to his old life.One of those old friends is Lalin, a wheelchair user, tries to trap Carlito into talking about his drug business by wearing a wire. Carlito recognises this and proceeds to smack his old friend around before telling him "You lost, motherf**ker" and leaving Lalin crying in the club.Actor Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings, Green Book, The Dead Don't Hurt) played Lalin and he joins the podcast to discuss what it was like acting opposite Al Pacino in the film, why Al didn't break when a scene they were filming went slightly off script and what his favourite Pacino movie is.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10:4705/08/2024
Episode 23: The Godfather Part III with Roxana Hadadi
The Godfather Part III receives a lot of criticism. Many were not interested in seeing Michael try to find redemption and live a clean life. However, if viewed as an epilogue, as Coppola suggested, then it gives new life to the film. Also, it shows a man trying to do right by the family he has neglected his whole life. It features a different type of performance from Pacino, one where Michael is finally comfortable in his own skin. There is also a great performance from Talia Shire as Connie. A lot of people don't like Sofia Coppola's performance as Mary.However, Film Critic Roxana Hadadi joins the podcast to discuss Sofia's performance opposite newcomer Andy Garcia. Hadadi specifically looks at one scene that shows their romantic intentions to each other. And it's not a scene that many would choose to highlight. Also discussed is how Hadadi see's a lot of Michael, from this film, in her dad. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:1529/07/2024
Episode 22: The Godfather Part II with Jen Johans
The Godfather Part II is seen as one of the greatest sequels ever made. It features Al Pacino reprising his role as Michael Corleone alongside Robert De Niro playing a young Vito Corleone. It's about the rise and fall of the Corleone family. Ambitious and epic in scope is The Godfather Part II.Film critic Jen Johans joins the podcast to discuss this iconic sequel. Johans talks about is the sequel is better than the first film, the relationship between Michael and Al Neri and all of the little nods/callbacks that feature in the scene between Michael and Fredo in the house at Lake Tahoe.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:0615/07/2024
Episode 21: The Godfather with Katie Smith-Wong
The Godfather is arguably the greatest film ever made. An absolute masterpiece. It helped kick-start Al Pacino's career with his masterful portrayal of Michael Corleone. So much has been written about the The Godfather, mainly by men. So, film critic Katie Smith-Wong joins the podcast to discuss this legendary film from a female perspective. Katie talks about how she see's Michael not as a husband to Kay, what hope she had for Kay and why the end scene is so chilling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:5201/07/2024
Episode 20: The Panic in Needle Park with John Bleasdale
The Panic in Needle Park was Al Pacino's first starring role in the movies. It's a story of Heroin addict Bobby (Pacino) and his clean-cut girlfriend Helen (Kitty Winn) as they frequent the area in New York known as Needle Park. Directed by Jerry Schatzberg and written by husband/wife duo John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion. Released in North America in 1971. The film and it's director were nominated for the Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. Actor Kitty Winn won Best Actress at the same festival. Film Critic and Author John Bleasdale joins the podcast to discuss the film. John talks about why he doesn't see it as a depressing film, how well-rounded an actor Pacino is already and what he thinks happens to Bobby & Hellen. All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:2817/06/2024
Episode 19: Axis Sally with Swen Temmel
American Traitor: The Trail of Axis Sally tells the true story of Mildred Gillars (played by Meadow Williams), who was forced to sing defeatist war propaganda tracks by the Nazis. She was captured by the Americans and sent to trail. Her lawyer James Laughlin (played by Al Pacino) tries to redeem her reputation.This little seen historical drama was released during 2021, when the world was caught up in a pandemic. It is based on the book Axis Sally Confidential by William Owen and features some classic Pacino courtroom grandstanding.Actor Swen Temmel appears in the film as Billy Owen, James Laughlin's right-hand man. So, Temmel spent much of the film working closely with Pacino. He talks about when he first heard he was cast opposite the iconic actor, what it was like working with Al and how Pacino's acting made him think differently about his own.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:5503/06/2024
Episode 18: The Devil's Advocate with Simon Thompson
Al Pacino playing the Devil should be a big enough sell to anyone. Add into the mix Keanu Reeves, as the hot-shot lawyer who is seduced by a big-time New York City law firm, and Charlize Theron, as his wife who begins to be plagued by visions and nightmares. It's a film that speaks about vanity, ego, greed, jealousy, lust and the loss of innocence. It also features some excellent scene chewing from Al Pacino.Film & TV journalist Simon Thompson joins the podcast to discuss this 1997 horror/thriller film. Thompson looks back at when he first saw this movie, how Reeves performance was something we had not seen before and why he believes that Pacino's monologue at the end of the film is some of his best work.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:0220/05/2024
Episode 17: Glengarry Glen Ross with James Foley
Glengarry Glen Ross features an all-star cast including Alan Arkin, Alec Baldwin, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Jonathan Pryce and, of course, Al Pacino. Based on David Mamet's play about real estate salesmen trying to get even with their bosses by stealing the good sales leads.Director James Foley joins the podcast to discuss working on the film. He talks about how he first met Pacino, what it was like working with him on the film and how he has reflected on it for the first time very recently.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby.#alpacino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:5206/05/2024
Episode 16: The Pacino Pod
To celebrate the birthday of Al Pacino (25th April 1940), All About Al: The Pacino Podcast welcomes Jane and Kalie from The Pacino Pod to discuss the man himself and why his filmography is so fascinating. A wide-ranging discussion that takes in a lot of Pacino's work and where Jane and Kalie stand on the good, and not so good, performances he has given through the years.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
59:0222/04/2024
Episode 15: Any Given Sunday with Leslie Pitt
Any Given Sunday is a exhilarating film about an American Football team. It see's Al Pacino play the coach of the Miami Sharks, an embattle coach who is trying to get his team to all pull in the right direction. He also faces problems from the team's new owner. It's on and off the field turmoil.The film features a huge ensemble cast including Jamie Foxx, Dennis Quaid, James Woods, LL Cool J, Mathew Modine, Charlton Heston, Ann-Margret, Aaron Eckhart, John C. McGinley, Cameron Diaz and many more. Written and directed by Oliver Stone.To discuss this Gladiatorial sports drama, film critic Leslie Pitt joins the podcast. Talk on how bombastic the film is, how ahead of the real-life game Pacino's character is and also that infamous "inches" speech.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:1508/04/2024
Episode 14: BSKYB Advert with Peter Lydon
It's rare for Al Pacino to appear in an advert. However, in 2013 he made an advert for Sky in the UK. A brief 1 minute advert advertising their broadband service. It was directed by Peter Lydon.Lydon joins the podcast to discuss making the advert with Pacino. In this discussion, peter talks about how involved Al was with the process, what it was liking directing him and why he received late-night phonecalls from the actor after they had finished filming. All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:3225/03/2024
Episode 13: Insomnia with James King
Insomnia seems to be the forgotten Christopher Nolan film when discussing the directors filmography. But it stars Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank - three Academy Award winners. How can it be forgotten/overlooked?BBC Radio 2 film critic James King joins the podcast to discuss why Insomnia is such an intense film, how Pacino's performance is so natural and what makes this a great remake.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:2211/03/2024
Episode 12: Dog Day Afternoon with Sandra Kazan
Dog Day Afternoon is one of Al Pacino's greatest films. It still stands the test of time today. Based on the true story of two friends who try to rob a bank. But the robbery doesn't go according to plan. Released in 1975 and starring Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Penelope Allen and more. It was written for the screen by Frank Pierson and directed by Sidney Lumet.Actor Sandra Kazan discusses what it was like being in the film, how scared she was of Pacino's performance and why her friendship with director Sidney Lumet put her in good stead for her role as Bank teller Deborah.ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:5626/02/2024
Episode 11: Frankie & Johnny with Helen Cox
Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer re-team for a rom-com set in a diner in New York City. Adapted from the Broadway play by Terence McNally and directed for the screen by Garry Marshall, it see's Johnny, just released from prison, gets a job in a diner and falls for a waitress named Frankie. He is a bit of a loner and keeps to himself but is determined that their romance will blossom.Romance and mystery author Helen Cox joins the podcast to discuss this 1991 rom-com. She talks about what struggles both characters have to overcome in-order to fall in love, how this rom-com stands out compared to others from that period and why Frankie's VCR is so important to the story. All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:0512/02/2024
Episode 10: Scarecrow with Garry Michael White
Writer Garry Michael White used his own experiences to write the story for Scarecrow. The film depicted two lone guys joining up to trek across America. It was Al Pacino's third lead role and it placed him opposite Gene Hackman. However, troubles between the two actors and studio interference caused problems when making the film. However, it went on to win the Palme D'or award at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival.White talks about the influences for writing Scarecrow, why the film was cut by the studio and how Pacino understood the nuances of his character. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, produced and presented by Mark Searby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36:1129/01/2024
Episode 9: Righteous Kill with Blake Howard
Righteous Kill saw the re-teaming of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro after the masterpiece that is Heat. However, their second film together wasn't well received by critics and audiences alike. Australian film critic Blake Howard joins the podcast to discuss what went right and wrong with the film, who is having a good time making the film and why he has never seen the film before.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:3315/01/2024
Episode 8: Carlito's Way with Rozalla
Singer/Songwriter Rozalla sang the theme song for Carlito's Way. She also had two amazing experiences with Pacino. She explains how she came to record the theme song, what it was like first meeting Pacino and how their second meeting at the film's premiere was show-stopping.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23:5101/01/2024
Episode 7: Al Pacino figures with Chris Sully
Al Pacino doesn't get many figures dedicated to him or his characters from toy manufacturers. As it is coming up to the gift giving season and maybe some are looking for an Al Pacino figure for their collection, I talk to ex-Funko marketing guru Chris Sully about what makes a successful Funko Pop, why there are so few Al Pacino figures and whether the man himself would need to give authorisation for his likeness to be used.ALL ABOUT AL: THE PACINO PODCAST is written, presented and edited by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:3818/12/2023
Episode 6: Scarface with Pepe Serna
As Scarface celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, actor Pepe Serna talks about appearing in the film. He discusses how he got the role as Angel Fernandez, Tony Montana's right hand man, what it was like working with Pacino and why he think the film is now bigger than ever.This episode of the podcast ties in with the 4k re-release of Scarface in UK cinemas. Here are the programme notes: https://parkcircus.com/latest/P2736-Scarface%3A-Programme-NotesAll About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:5204/12/2023
Episode 5: Angels In America with Victoria Luxford
Film critic Victoria Luxford talks about her love of the mini-series Angels In America. The show is about several disparate but connected individuals who go through the AIDS crisis in the mid-1980s. The first three episodes premiered on HBO on 7th December 2003. The following week would see the remaining three episodes air. The show would go on to win many awards for its cast and crew.Luxford discusses how she came to be obsessed with the mini-series, why she believes it to be a hugely important piece of work and how paramount Al Pacino’s casting was for it. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:4220/11/2023
Episode 4: Carlito's Way with Alan Jones
International film critic, broadcaster, author and journalist Alan Jones joins the podcast to talk about Carlito's Way. Jones discusses why he thinks Carlito's Way is one of the best movies to feature disco in it and how it gets it right. He also talks about interviewing Brian De Palma and why the director will never forget him. This episode is released to tie-in with the film's 30th anniversary release in North America. Carlito's Way is a sophisticated movie about a gangster who grew a heart and was hoping for a second shot at love. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:2106/11/2023
Episode 3: House of Gucci with Roberto Bentivegna
Roberto Bentivegna co-wrote the screenplay for House of Gucci. Based on shocking real events, the drama is about the Gucci family and how the Italian fashion dynasty was brought to it's knees thanks to betrayal, decadence, revenge -- and ultimately murder.Bentivegna talks about how he worked closely with director Ridley Scott on each draft of the screenplay, who he had in mind for the character of Patrizia while it was being written and what it was like watching Al Pacino recite the dialogue that he had written. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:0623/10/2023
Episode 2: Bobby Deerfield with Marthe Keller
Marthe Keller co-starred with Al Pacino in the race car melodrama Bobby Deerfield. Playing the impulsive and enigmatic Lillian, who Pacino's Deerfield falls for while struggling to overcome grief. Yet Lillian has a dark secret herself.Keller talks about how she had to audition for Pacino, what their relationship was like during filming, and afterwards, and why she thinks director Sydney Pollack's film didn't find an audience upon release in North America. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:4709/10/2023
Episode 1: Scent of a Woman with Gabrielle Anwar
Gabrielle Anwar starred in Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino. Her screen time might have been less than fifteen minutes, yet her appearance is one of the most iconic sequences from an Al Pacino movie.Anwar discusses how she got the role in the film, what training she went through and what it was like dancing toe-to-toe with Al Pacino. All About Al: The Pacino podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:0625/09/2023