Renowned actor Al Pacino has acknowledged that his 1980s film ‘Cruising’, a crime thriller, carried exploitative elements. At the time of filming, he was not fully cognizant of the potential issues tied to the film’s theme. Directed by William Friedkin, ‘Cruising’ centered around a serial killer preying on homosexual men amidst the leather scene, a narrative choice that sparked dissent.
Looking back at the wave of protests by advocates of gay rights during the film’s production, Pacino indicates a lack of sensitivity on his part. Recalling those times through the pages of his memoir ‘Sonny Boy’, he brings to light how the Oscar winner didn’t see the exploitative elements while caught up in the process of filmmaking.
Interestingly, despite his leading role in such a contentious film, Pacino reveals he didn’t earn any money from ‘Cruising’. The film had its fair share of controversies cropping up even before hitting the screens. Facing a deluge of public backlash, the producers of the film earnestly requested Pacino to speak in defense of it.
They implored him with the rationale that he had been paid handsomely for his work in the film. Feeling obligated, Pacino concurred to voice his support, even though he professed an urge to distance himself from the whole debacle. He recounts, ‘I’d had enough.’ His longing was to detach himself from the frenzy that had ensued.
Yet, there was a discrepancy between his public stance and steps taken behind the scenes. With a sense of rectitude, Pacino mentioned, ‘I never accepted the paycheck for ‘Cruising.” His actions diverged from his initial commitment to support the film and brought a surprising revelation to light.
In his memoir, he elaborates, ‘I took the hefty amount I had been paid and placed it in an irrevocable trust fund.’ His action demonstrated a profound sense of accountability – once he transferred the funds to the trust, it was impossible to retrieve them.
Furthermore, he distributed the original sum, augmented by accumulated interest, to various charities. He made this financial sacrifice in an apparent bid to mitigate any potential damage inflicted by the film. However, he remained uncertain if this gesture helped in easing his own conscience.
Pacino mused, ‘I am unsure if it eased my conscience, but I hope the money ended up serving a good purpose.’ Remaining modest about his disposition, Pacino maintained anonymity in his act of giving to the charities.
Only now, he reveals, has he chosen to make this public while ensuring that it doesn’t come across as a publicity stunt. His intention was to oscillate the narrative towards positivity, to acknowledge that, amidst the surrounding controversies, some constructive outcome could be realized.
Looking beyond ‘Cruising’, Pacino, now 84, reflects on his career-defining crime epic ‘Scarface’. Despite the initial criticism it faced upon release, the movie aged like wine, solidifying its position as a classic over time.
‘Scarface’, he contends, ‘remains the most significant work I’ve been part of till date.’ He confides in his memoir, ‘The residuals still sustain me now. Those funds would suffice if lived humbly. It nevertheless contributes significantly to my life.’
Pacino neither shies away from admitting the financial benefit of his role in ‘Scarface’ nor dramatizes his current lifestyle. Quite frankly, he acknowledges that he has responsibilities, including supporting his family.
Last year, the famed actor welcomed his son Roman into the world alongside his now ex-girlfriend, Noor Alfallah. However, Pacino’s life, both past and present, continues to be a blend of cinematic triumphs, personal responsibilities, and also, controversies he learnt from.