Martin Brest’s “Scent of a Woman” was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 1992.
Powered by an emotionally raucous screenplay from the late, great Bo Goldman, it’s probably best remembered 31 years later for the hoo-hahing performance showcase that earned Al Pacino the Best Actor Oscar he should’ve won for, take your pick, “The Godfather Part II,” “Serpico” or “Dog Day Afternoon.” This is unfair.
The film does run a tad long, and concludes with a conventional stand-up-and-cheer monologue from Pacino, but the length is excusable because Brest gives his best moments, most of which arrive during the film’s second act, an abundance of oxygen.
He lets his actors explore, which was catnip for Pacino and a blessing for his 22-year-old co-star Chris O’Donnell.Cast as a promising prep school student hired by a rich woman (Gabrielle Anwar) to babysit her blind, alcoholic Vietnam War vet uncle over Thanksgiving weekend,…
Read full article