Top to Bottom: Al Pacino

2.

Michael Corleone

The Godfather (1972)

Michael: “My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.”
Kay Adams: “Do you know how naïve you sound, Michael? Presidents and senators don't have men killed.”
Michael: “Oh. Who's being naïve, Kay?”

I have heard several people say this performance is the greatest of all time. It is right up in the top 10 for me. What Pacino accomplishes here is astounding. He is able to do so little, and yet leave an incredible impact. His performance here is one filled with passion and subtlety. You can feel the tension in every word he says and in every stare he gives to the other actors.  It is a performance that has stood the test of time, and will remain in the conversation of the all time greats forever. A lot of people like to credit Brando as being the one that gives film its reputation, but it is all about Pacino, in my opinion.