Review of Scent of a Woman (1992) by Guido M — 24 Oct 2014

This may also be referred as Martin Brest's last good movie, and Al Pacino's prime as well. Scent of a Woman is a film that fully relies on the talent of Pacino to bring a funny, touching, delicate dramedy with more heart than conscience.

The story goes a little bit like this: Aided college student Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell) is on the verge of expulsion when he is witness of a prank at his college. On the same thanksgiving weekend of the occurrence, he takes a job to take care of the foul-mouthed, blind veteran Frank Slade (Pacino), who takes Simms to New York to have a weekend of luxury and fine tastes.

Having not seen the italian original, I cannot say which one is better at achieving what the movie wants, but when it comes to this drama, it is certainly mild in every aspect. It is not sad, it's chuckle-worthy and it is LONG. Two hours and a half is a lot for a movie about two generations of people conversating, about whether life is worth living, about women and about their problems. Scent of a Woman, however, keeps the density light thanks to Al Pacino fankly over-the-top performance that is also very riveting and eye-catching. Plus, O'Donnell is not bad at playing Pacino's escort. Although that is what he is: An escort to a top-notch performance. The screenplay, by Bo Goldman who wrote such classics as "Shoot the Moon", is also a favourable factor because, as I've said before, the movie is made up of conversations for the most parts, and when this don't go into a dense monologue, they are pretty alluring.

Martin Brest offers in here a movie that is full of extravagance and self-indungence, as well as enough Pacino to bring joy to our hearts. It could be shorter, but what we've got here, the story of a bucket list turned into a miracle trip, is an above-watchable charmer.