Some films become classics because of their unforgettable performances and storylines that stand the test of time. The 1992 film by Martin Brest, Scent of a Woman, is a prime example of this work because of its lasting impact and emotional resonance.
The late screenwriter Bo Goldman’s intriguing script and Hollywood legend Al Pacino’s powerhouse performance drove the film’s success, but it wasn’t without its production difficulties.
Al Pacino’s Powerhouse Performance That Deserved Acclaim
The story of Scent of a Woman centers on Chris O’Donnell, a young prep school student played beautifully by Al Pacino, who becomes the guardian of a blind and drunken war veteran. Emotional and strong performances from the actors provide the film’s backbone, but one sequence, in particular, stands out as a career high point for both O’Donnell and Pacino.
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The emotional intricacy of the scenario was astounding. O’Donnell’s character learns about Al Pacino’s dangerous plan of self-destruction in the nick of time. O’Donnell had to generate a riveting performance that would connect with spectators to convince Pacino to choose life over death, and he did it brilliantly.
The audience was deeply moved by his honesty and compelling depiction of a young guy attempting to heal a wounded spirit. Chris O’Donnell saw the position of youthful caretaker as a game-changer for his professional future.
Many aspiring actors, including future stars at the time, like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Brendan Fraser, tried out for the part due to the intricacy of the character and the opportunity to work with a Hollywood great like Al Pacino.
But O’Donnell took the opportunity in stride, accepting the responsibility to live up to his expectations. There was a lot riding on O’Donnell’s performance in that pivotal sequence alongside Al Pacino.
With each further try, it seemed more likely that O’Donnell couldn’t convey the depth of feeling required to make the moment sparkle. What destiny had in store for them, however, was completely unexpected.
Martin Brest’s Unconventional Mind Game
Directing legend Martin Brest tried something new to get the best performance out of Chris O’Donnell. Brest saw the young actor was about to crack under the emotional strain of the moment, so he decided to play a psychological game with him.
After numerous takes that fell short of Brest’s standards, he ordered O’Donnell back to the dressing room and called him back out of the blue. That risk was worth taking. When O’Donnell returned to the set, he was able to generate an emotional tempest inside himself, resulting in the iconic take.
Martin Brest struggled with an unconventional concept but was determined to preserve the unique moment caught throughout the scene. Inspired by his love of cinema and the need to do credit to O’Donnell’s astounding performance, Brest turned to the CIA for assistance.
Brest assumed that the CIA would have the state-of-the-art equipment to clear up a shaky video. In an unexpected move, the director contacted the intelligence agency.
“I was so depressed for so long. I even had people contact the CIA. I said, ‘I know those motherf***ers have some technology to refocus something that’s out of focus.’
The CIA graciously denied Brest’s audacious request to meddle in the film’s post-production on Scent of a Woman. The director, however, was unfazed and decided to take things into his own hands to save the scene.
Source: Slash Film
