Scent of a woman

Each time I see this film I fall deeper in love with it.

Right from the outset, Scent of a woman is Al Pacino's film. His portrayal of the Colonel is Al Pacinoesque in every sense. I have observed it many times that Pacino doesn't believe in living characters. He moulds them & gives us something else that Al Pacino in real life would be, given the circumstances created by the scripwriter (I noticed lots of Al Pacino shades even in Michael Corleone).

Pacino's Colonel is absolutely brilliant in showcasing a once vibrant glorious army hot shot who never grew up for lack of diplomatic skills, lost his vision in an unfortunate & yet suicidal accident, then turned into a self-pittying blind old alcoholic who just wants to have one final crack at high life & then 'blow his brains out'. His expressions are vivid and his body language superb. But what proves the killer blow is his delivery. Accentuating emphasis on random words, screaming sentences like shouting commands and laughing in monosyllables (dont ask me how! just go see the film), he steals the show with inspired personification of his character. His determination to kick his 'baby'sitter out, his newfound will to live a cameo jet-setter life, his exhaustion and dejection upon conquering the last remaining mountain and finally his renewed vigour to live on is exceptional.

Scenes to always remember: 1) Pacino banging his cane on the table at the final hearing
2) Charlie watching Pacino perform the tango
3) Colonel telling Harry & the other culprits to fuck off
4) Colonel telling Charlie to give him an inventory of the Waldhorf suite bar.

For die hard Pacino fans, keep running ur vcd's / dvd's again & again. Keep enjoying. & if u havent seen the film yet, it's time to go Blow Your Own Brains Out.
For Pacino haters, cut the crap, watch it anyways. You will not see a better larger than life character after brando's Don Vito.