Top to Bottom: Al Pacino

7.

Lefty Ruggiero

Donnie Brasco (1997)

“How much money did you give that guy? A wiseguy never pays for his drinks.”

This is a personal favorite film and performance of mine. Pacino obviously had his share of gangster roles, but none of them have clicked like this one. It is perhaps the defining role of the second half of his career. Lefty is a character that is unforgettable. Pacino has the presence that makes him the center of attention at all times, but by Lefty’s nature, he is a guy who is scared for his life. He does not trust anyone, so he is constantly nervous and looking over his shoulder. That persona really fits Pacino. It is almost how he comes off in reality. It is a poignant performance, and it cannot be a coincidence that Johnny Depp gives his career-best performance playing opposite Pacino. He makes everyone better.