Al Pacino just received a very well deserved, and long overdue, lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute. I found the picture below, reuniting him with Lady Anne from his great 1996 film LOOKING FOR RICHARD, from the ceremony and thought I would post it.
The Pacino directed documentary LOOKING FOR RICHARD is one of the most fascinating films I have ever seen on the theater, acting and art in general. Gene Siskel called it the best film of 1996 and I don't think he was too far off. Pacino searched long and hard for his Lady Anne and a highlight of the film comes when he suddenly realizes that Winona Ryder would be perfect for it. Ryder at the time was considered, rightfully so, as one of the best young American actress around and her scenes for Pacino are still among the best she ever shot.
LOOKING FOR RICHARD is currently out of print in the States but it will be a part of THE AL PACINO COLLECTION which has been continually delayed since it was announced last year. The box will not only feature a special edition of LOOKING FOR RICHARD but also his rarely seen productions LOCAL STIGMATIC and CHINESE COFFEE.
I am thrilled to see my favorite American actor receiving this honor from the AFI and I am greatly anticipating the televised special of it, which premieres in a couple of weeks.
