I was on tour with rock band Super Bob when I got a phone call by one of my employers. “Hey Mike, we’re going to need you to come and photograph Al Pacino, you think you can make it out?” How do you say “no” when you’re asked to photograph an acting legend?
So luckily my run on that tour ended 2 nights before and the band wasn’t traveling nearby any airport or bus station. So after my last show, instead of going to the next city with them I simply stayed overnight at a greyhound station in Akron, Ohio. Which is no problem. I’ve slept at bus stations and airports all the time. I’m use to it. However, the bus station closed at midnight. So I had to wait outside on a bench and it was the end of March. So there I was overnight in the freezing cold, only source of warmth was a blanket, a heading pad that burned out and the heat from my laptop where I watched the entire Godfather series until the doors opened at 7am where I went in a corner and slept til 1 and took a 12 hour bus trip to Atlantic City. “Why didn’t I stay in a hotel?” you may ask. Well all the hotels in the area were sold out. So this was my only option. When I arrived to Atlantic City, I bought a nice shirt and pants and shoes from an H&M and went to Caesars to Atlantic City and checked in with my employers and got ready for the show.
Showtime: The words “Pacino – One Night Only” were projected on the screen. Then the lights were dimmed and a video with highlights from films of his career: Scarface. The Godfather, The Devil’s Advocate, Scent of a Woman, Dick Tracy…. Jack and Jill? I would of left that one off the screen. But hell I would pay for a Al Pacino Dunkaccino. The screen goes black and spotlight turns on and walkied out was….. Joy Behar? Turned out the legendary host of The View was hosting the event. That was an interesting surprise. Wish my employers told me that. Thanks Caesars.
Joy spent five minutes entertaining the audience, telling jokes. I forgot how much of a funny and clever comedian she was. I can see why mother likes her. Then she introduced the man himself! Al Pacino! My first thoughts were: “He’s smaller than I imagined him to be.” Which always my assumption. You see I’ve been photographing musicians and celebrities for quite some time, and I grew up hearing that “Television Adds 10 pounds”. No, television adds 10 inches. No offense to Al, however when I think about Michael Corleone or Tony Montana, I think of a guy over-towering me with a stare that would kill you. Al was completely different than I imagined. He seemed gentle, thoughtful, humorous and warm. He was engaging. As warm and gentle as he seemed I was still intimidated. But I digress…
The next two hours was filled with questions from Joy about Al’s career and how he wasn’t originally suppose to play Michael in the Godfather series. Then I learned that one of my favorite movies (Scarface) was actually a remake. So for those of you who say “there are no good remakes”, you can shove it. There were talks about the various awards he one. And how was originally approached to play Han Solo in Star Wars. Can you imagine? If Pacino was Han Solo there would would be NO denying “Who shot first”
Pacino talked about his upbringing, being raised by a single mother. His father fought in the war and he never got to know him. As much as I enjoyed watching Joy and Al talk back and forth the real fun was when audiences asked questions and when someone yelled out the trademarked “Hoo ahh” from Scent of a Woman. Al corrected him by doing yelling it as well. Then proceded to tell the story of where “Hoo ahh” came from.
This show was different than most one man shows I’ve seen. Instead of being in a theater with 1100+ people, it felt like a small group of us we were in small room having a conversation with Al. It was a relaxing evening. Than after the show I was backstage photographing the meet and greet. Before the guest Joy approached me and we took some photos of her and her daughter and we had a 5 minute discussion until Al walked out. Normally meet and greets last 5 minutes. Usually the attendees come up to, say a quick “hi” pose for the photo then out the door. Not at this one. Al had no issue talking to each individual hearing how they appreciated their acting. He seemed to enjoy it more than the fans meeting him. After everyone got their picture and left I smiled and turned off the camera when Al extended his hand and said “Would you like a picture?” I’ll be honest. I tried to be as nonchalant but I think I failed. Because I jumped right in all excited and tripped. Yeah, real calm and professional, Mike. We got the photo and Al and I chatted and I asked him a couple questions and he looked at the couch near us and said “let’s sit” and sat and talked for a few moments. I told him how he’s one of my favorite actors and I was named after his character from the Godfather. He then proceeded to ask if I was his favorite, when I said, “That would be Patrick Stewart.” He laughed and talked about his admiration for Patrick (and the other actors I mentioned that came before him). Yeah, again real professional Mike!
It was evening I wouldn’t forget. If this show comes nearby you and you have a chance to see it, I encourage you to do so. It was one of the most engaging shows I’ve had the pleasure of photographing in my 10 years as a photographer. In the beginning of this I asked “How do you say ‘no’ when you’re asked to photograph an acting legend?”
It’s simple: You don’t! 
