Vince Vaughn and Al Pacino at TIFF for 'Easy's Waltz'

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The Debut of Nic Pizzolatto and the Transformation of Vince Vaughn

Nic Pizzolatto, the creator of True Detective, makes his directorial debut with Easy’s Waltz. This film also marks a significant transformation for Vince Vaughn, who steps into the role of a Vegas lounge singer. As the mentor to Vaughn's character, Al Pacino delivers a performance that echoes his iconic roles, such as Michael Corleone from The Godfather.

Vaughn has long harbored the idea of playing a lounge singer. He was drawn to the concept of a personal dream rather than grand ambitions. The story revolves around a character who lives on the grittier side of Vegas, with the bright lights of the strip just across town. This kind of dream resonates with Vaughn, and he brought the idea to Pizzolatto, who crafted an incredible screenplay filled with complexity.

Pacino, known for his powerful performances, was intrigued by the character. He found the writing compelling and was excited to work alongside Vaughn. He mentioned that the character is similar to those he has encountered throughout his career—people in show business who admire the stars they can’t reach themselves.

When asked about the dangerous nature of his character, Pacino reflected on the Jekyll-Hyde aspect of people in the industry. He noted that while he hasn’t personally been involved with such individuals, he has seen their capabilities.

The film feels like a throwback, with nuanced storytelling reminiscent of the films Pacino made in the 1970s. Vaughn believes there is still room for such stories in today's fast-paced industry. He pointed out that decision-makers often follow a rule book that limits creativity, but he hopes audiences will appreciate the depth and maturity in the writing.

Pacino recalled the golden age of film during the 1970s, when he was making The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon. He admitted he didn’t realize at the time how special that era was. He expressed a desire to remember those days, even though he acknowledges the challenges he faced.

Vaughn praised the writing and the characters, emphasizing that stories are about complex human beings. He highlighted the multifaceted relationships within the film, such as mentorship and family dynamics. He also admired Pacino’s ability to portray both warmth and danger, making his character captivating.

Vaughn’s journey into singing began with karaoke bars, where he honed his skills. Pacino was impressed by Vaughn’s talent, noting that his singing was as natural as a soliloquy in Shakespeare. He compared Vaughn’s performance to that of legendary singers like Frank Sinatra.

When asked about growing up with Bobby Darin records, Vaughn expressed admiration for classic musicals like Guys and Dolls. He joked about remaking it with Pacino, highlighting their chemistry.

Pacino acknowledged the challenge of portraying roles once played by icons like Sinatra and Brando. He admitted that his own singing in previous films wasn’t as strong as Vaughn’s. He praised Vaughn’s versatility, comparing him to Meryl Streep.

Vaughn humorously suggested that he could play smaller roles, referencing Streep’s ability to transform her appearance. He admired her dedication and believed that Vaughn had the potential to do the same.

Reflecting on The Godfather, Vaughn marveled at Pacino’s performance as Michael Corleone. He described the character’s transformation as one of the most powerful in cinema. He appreciated how the audience is drawn into the journey, experiencing the emotional impact of the choices made.

Pacino shared his experience with The Godfather Part II, explaining that the script was initially poor but improved under Francis Coppola’s direction. He emphasized the importance of a good script, even if the financial offer is tempting.

Both actors expressed their appreciation for the craft of filmmaking and the enduring power of great storytelling. They highlighted the importance of taking risks and creating meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences.