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The Panic in Needle Park (1971)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 4/21

PanicNeedle
4/21: The Panic in Needle Park is a must-see for all Al Pacino fans.

The simple facts are: 1) This was his first starring film role which almost went to Jim Morrison (yes...of The Doors); 2) His next picture was The Godfather; and 3) It set off four consecutive Oscar nominations for him from 1973 to 1976.

Using the film for evidence, Francis Ford Coppola fought hard for Al Pacino to be in the Mafia masterpiece because Paramount thought him a nobody with any credentials to speak of. Instead, they wanted Jack Nicholson, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty, and Robert De Niro for the role of Michael Corleone. Then again, they didn't want Marlon Brando, either.

Evidently, Al Pacino was destined to be a great drama actor, and he appears to be much far ahead of the game in The Panic in Needle Park. One thing I notice the most is his unbelievable versatility. He can do it all while inspiring a lot of energy in his co-stars. The scene dramatically changes whenever Al Pacino makes his presence. That's why The Godfather wasn't too big of a stage for him even though he admitted to feeling out of place.

This one has two up-and-coming actors who will be stars in their own right: Raul Julia (in his debut role) and Paul Sorvino. One of the narcotics detectives is played by Alan Vint who's well known for appearing, along with his brother Jesse, in a Southern Gothic thriller called Macon County Line. Kitty Winn isn't bad herself, but what the heck happened to her afterwards? It turns out she went back to the theater although she popped up occasionally for a film, most notably The Exorcist.

Although real and gritty, the story is old hat by now. The junkie scene goes on and on for almost two hours with no vertical spiral in place. Luckily, it has Al Pacino and Kitty Winn to rely on to keep the interest going. Their performances alone are worth the price for admission. However, I don't feel sorry for their stupid characters. If nothing changes, I expect them to be dead within ten years.

All in all, The Panic in Needle Park has to be seen, no matter what, for Al Pacino's sake before he'll go on to have one of the best runs in cinema history.