Al Pacino: Why He Avoids Graphic Sex Scenes

Al Pacino is known for his compelling performances, but he has reservations about filming intense scenes, particularly when they involve romance.

In his latest memoir, Sonny Boy, Pacino opens up about shooting a significant sex scene with Ellen Barkin in the 1989 neo-noir thriller Sea of Love. He expresses that he's not typically comfortable with explicit love scenes, remarking that many actors share this sentiment. He even suggested that such scenes can sometimes feel nearly pornographic.

Reflecting on Sea of Love, which became infamous for its extended sex scene, Pacino describes how Barkin’s character holds him against a wall before their characters engage passionately. While he praised director Harold Becker for choreographing the scene beautifully, he found the overall experience less than enjoyable.

Pacino reminisces about an era in cinema when films like A Place in the Sun could portray romance without explicit nudity. He fondly recalls the classic films that inspired him, referring to Elizabeth Taylor as a "fast friend" and Montgomery Clift as someone with both "beauty" and a "soul." However, he acknowledges that by the time he became a star in the early 1970s, the subtlety of that romantic style had largely vanished.

Sea of Love follows a detective in New York City, portrayed by Pacino, who is on the hunt for a killer linked to personal ads in a local newspaper. Barkin plays a prime suspect who becomes romantically involved with him, leading to a thrilling and risky relationship.

This film marked a pivotal moment in Pacino's career, especially after being "out of commission for four years." It was a massive hit, raking in over $100 million on a $19 million budget and earning him some of the most favorable reviews since his role in Scarface in 1983. He reflected that this project helped him regain his financial footing.

Pacino lauded Barkin’s performance, stating, "Ellen Barkin lit up the screen with her sensuality and artistry. What a performance. I was fortunate to be part of it."

Additionally, during a recent interview with Conan O'Brien, Pacino shared a humorous anecdote from his time on The Godfather. He recalled injuring his ankle during a scene and thinking, "Thank you, God. You’re gonna get me out of this film," highlighting how much he wanted to escape that moment.

Pacino's memoir, Sonny Boy, is now available for readers.