When I Met Al Pacino
Meeting a legend is a surreal experience, and let me tell you, I hope your heroes don’t disappoint you. You want them to inspire and motivate you, not make you regret all those years of admiration! So, when I got invited to a screening of Chinese Coffee—one of Al Pacino's lesser-known films—I figured it would be a nice evening out. Little did I know it would turn into a profound reflection on success, imperfection, and the journey we all take to find our place in the world 🤯
As we’re about to walk into the theater, my friend casually drops, “Oh, by the way, Al Pacino’s here.” And I’m thinking, "Wait, like… in a cardboard cutout?" Because there’s no way the Al Pacino is just casually here, right? But sure enough, as we walked in, there he was, and believe it or not, he sat right behind me. Picture this: I’m watching a movie that was released decades ago, and behind me, Al Pacino is watching himself too. Talk about surreal!
There’s something incredibly humbling about seeing someone like Pacino, a legend in his field, quietly sitting through a film he both acted in and directed years ago. He wasn’t there to glorify himself; he was there to reflect on his work, to look back and, maybe, to see how far he’s come. It reminded me that no matter how successful we get, we can’t just rest on our laurels. True growth happens when we take a step back, evaluate where we’ve been, and keep pushing forward, just like Pacino has done throughout his career. This is a powerful reminder for all of us on the importance of ongoing self-reflection and growth.
So, instead of going full fanboy and asking for a picture (which was NOT EASY to resist—I could have cracked my iPhone with that death grip), I decided to have a conversation with him. And it was definitely worth it. We talked about a play called Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? where Pacino played a character named Bikham, a role that won him a Tony and catapulted him to fame. Coincidentally, I had portrayed Bikham too, and discussing the character was a full-circle moment for me. We dove deep into the themes of the play—youth, struggle, the masks we wear to fit in—and how those themes mirrored our own lives.
In life, we often connect deeply with certain experiences because they resonate with our own stories. For me, playing Bikham wasn’t just acting; it was a reflection of my own struggles and my journey to find my place in the world. Similarly, as a life coach, I see this connection in my clients. Just like Mr. Winters—a pivotal character in the play—saw the potential in Bikham, I strive to see the potential in others. It’s about recognizing the complexity within each of us, the potential for redemption, and the possibility of something greater. This is what drives growth and transformation, both on stage and in real life.
Let’s shift gears for a moment and talk about Scarface. As a teenager, I thought this movie was everything. Tony Montana was larger than life, and Pacino brought such intensity to the role. But here's the wild thing: Scarface wasn’t an immediate blockbuster. It took time for people to appreciate its cult status. Plus, Pacino was heavily criticized for his Cuban accent—which, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly spot-on. Yet, despite the flaws, Scarface became iconic. Why? Because Pacino didn’t let the fear of criticism stop him. He poured everything into that role, imperfections and all, and created something unforgettable.
Don’t let the fear of imperfection hold you back. If Pacino had worried about nailing the accent or making the movie a blockbuster hit, we might not have the Scarface we know today. The same applies to any goal or challenge you face. Sometimes, it’s the imperfections that make the end result memorable. Whether you’re launching a business, starting a new project, or just trying to improve yourself, don’t get stuck on perfection. Embrace the process, flaws and all, and trust that your efforts will lead to something great.
Finally, let’s sip on Chinese Coffee one more time. In the movie, Pacino’s character, Harry, and his friend Jake are both struggling writers. They’re not successful by traditional standards, and yet they’re envious of each other in different ways. Harry envies Jake’s contentment, while Jake envies Harry’s relentless ambition. It’s a brilliant portrayal of how success is subjective and how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing our weaknesses to others’ strengths.
This brings me to a crucial point in life coaching: Success is how you define it. It’s not about comparing yourself to others but about finding what fulfillment means to you. Whether you’re the relentless Harry or the content Jake, the key is to stay true to your own path and not get caught up in someone else’s version of success. This is a lesson that applies universally, no matter your profession or life stage.
Whether it’s embracing imperfections, finding your own depth, or defining your success, these are all steps on the journey to becoming the best version of yourself. And hey, if you ever find yourself in the same room as a legend, don’t worry so much about getting that photo. The real treasure might just be the conversation you have instead. Then, GET that photo 👍 Dang, I wish I had that photo. Until next time, keep pushing forward, embrace your imperfections, and define success on your own terms.