As a seasoned film enthusiast with a soft spot for iconic performances, I can’t help but marvel at Al Pacino’s journey in The Godfather trilogy. It’s fascinating to learn that Pacino himself felt relieved when his ankle injury threatened his role in the movie, not realizing it would be the turning point that solidified his place as Michael Corleone.
50 years since the debut of “The Godfather,” it’s challenging to envision anyone other than Al Pacino as Michael Corleone. However, if you ask Al Pacino himself, he would have preferred not to be in the movie at all. This is what his recent memoir, “Sonny Boy,” reveals. In this book, Pacino discusses his feelings of relief when an ankle injury nearly led to his dismissal from the film’s production.
In different words, during the filming of “The Godfather”, Al Pacino’s performance at about 30 years old wasn’t meeting Paramount’s expectations, sparking gossip on set that he would be let go from his contract and director Francis Ford Coppola would also be dismissed since he advocated for Pacino in the role. Therefore, when it came to doing his own stunt where Michael Corleone jumps onto a moving car, Pacino experienced a sense of relief upon twisting his ankle, believing that this injury would undoubtedly end his involvement in the movie.
Due to a severe ankle sprain, I found myself unable to move. My colleagues gathered around me, attempting to lift me up and inquire about my condition: “Is my ankle broken? Can I walk?” At that moment, I was unsure. As I lay there contemplating, I felt a sense of miracle and gratitude towards God, thinking, “I don’t have to finish this photo shoot anymore.” The sudden wave of relief that washed over me took me by surprise. Working each day with feelings of being unwanted and insignificant had been a heavy burden, and this injury could serve as my escape from this oppressive situation. If they were to let me go, replace me as Michael, and not lose their investment in the project, it would be an acceptable outcome for me.
Al Pacino’s Ankle Injury Actually Saved Him from Being Fired
Initially, Pacino might have wished for a brief respite from “The Godfather” because of his sprained ankle. However, rather than granting him a break, the situation took an unexpected turn. The executives at Paramount scrutinized the scene where Corleone exacted revenge on Captain McCluskey (Sterling Hayden) and Virgil Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), following the shooting of his father Vito (Marlon Brando). In doing so, they developed a fresh perspective of Pacino. His acting in that pivotal moment impressed them greatly, demonstrating that he was the ideal choice for the part. Ironically, his ankle injury merely reinforced his dedication to the film and his character.
Due to my recent performance in that particular scene, I was not let go from “The Godfather” production. Instead, I remained in the film. I had a strategy, a path that I strongly felt was suitable for this character’s development. I was confident that Francis shared the same conviction about this direction.
Al Pacino received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor due to his exceptional portrayal of Michael Corleone, followed by a nod for Best Actor the next year for “The Godfather Part II.” Interestingly, he was not nominated for the third installment of the series, which is often regarded as one of the worst sequels in film history. It’s likely beneficial that he isn’t associated with that film given its less-than-favorable reputation today.
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2024-10-15 00:01