Danny Collins Movie Download

9 / 10

A most unusual role for Pacino.
Al Pacino made a lot of films over the years where he played cops or, more often, crooks and mobsters. As a result, he has through his choices, typecast himself just a bit. Additionally, so often in these sorts of roles, he is over the top…bigger than life, that’s for sure. So, in light of this, it was a delight to see him in “Danny Collins”…a very nice change of pace.

When the story begins, Danny is a world famous singer…much like a Neil Diamond or Tom Jones. But he also is pretty much coasting through life…existing but not living. After several failed marriages and a substance abuse addiction, he is a somewhat pitiful man despite his adoring fans.

After his birthday party, his agent (Christopher Plummer) hands him a letter that should have arrived for him decades before…a letter of encouragement from John Lennon himself! Well, the letter has an unexpected impact on Danny…and he decides to stop his whirlwind life and try to make up for some of his biggest mistakes in life. The biggest mistake is fathering a boy long ago…and never seeing him. The second biggest is his abandoning song writing long ago. Another is his drinking and drugs. This film is about his attempts to deal with each…and attempts is the operative word!

The film has some marvelous acting and direction. While Pacino is no great singer (in interviews he was reported to apologize for it), he was wonderful in the lead…and less over-the-top than you’d expect. Overall, a wonderful ‘little’ film…and perhaps Pacino’s attempt to do something new, just like Danny.

By the way, the story itself was inspired by a letter from Lennon and Yoko which arrived decades later to a young singer named Steve Stilston….though I am sure MANY details were changed for the film.Read More