Al Pacino Named the Two Movies He Thinks Are the Greatest Ever

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As a cinematic devotee with an undying passion for the silver screen, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness Al Pacino’s exceptional talent unfold in countless movies throughout his illustrious career. Yet, when asked to single out his most cherished roles, this iconic actor remains unreservedly honest and heartfelt.

During an interview with the American Film Institute (AFI), he was questioned about his top movie picks of all time. After a brief pause, he confessed, “Choosing my favorite movie of all time is tough because I have approximately five or six that I truly admire – none of which are my own films. These movies I consider to be the greatest, but I need a moment to recall them as they span different genres.

As a self-proclaimed cinephile, let me share a fascinating tidbit. Even while I was pondering, I revealed one of my personal favorites – The Tree of Wooden Clogs (1978). Now, this isn’t just any film; it’s an Italian masterpiece directed by Ermanno Olmi. Interestingly, it snatched the Palme d’Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a testament to its cinematic brilliance.

The film portrays the everyday hardships of 19th-century farmers in Lombardy, as depicted through their lives in a rural household. Notably, unlike most films during that era, Olmi opted to cast genuine farmers and locals over professional actors, lending an authentic and emotional tone to the production.

As Pacino was being guided towards another interview, he spontaneously mentioned another favorite film: “Singin’ in the Rain is quite enjoyable,” he remarked with a grin.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d have to say that “Singin’ in the Rain” is undoubtedly one of the most recognized masterpieces out there. Directed and danced up by none other than Gene Kelly, this musical romantic comedy has left an indelible mark on cinema history as one of the all-time greats. The star-studded cast includes myself, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, and Cyd Charise. This film takes us back to Tinseltown in the late 1920s, shedding light on the tumultuous transition from silent films to “the talkies.

In a nutshell, Pacino’s preferences demonstrate his broad range of tastes. While he admires the understated, genuine narrative of the movie “The Tree of Wooden Cloggs“, which poignantly portrays the hardships of everyday people with sincerity and simplicity, he also relishes the exuberance, music, and allure of “Singin’ in the Rain“, a film that continues to be a vibrant tribute to Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

This indicates that even renowned figures such as him seek inspiration and find pleasure in the films they watch, emphasizing their ongoing hunger for fresh perspectives.

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2025-08-21 14:44