Frankie and Johnny (1991)
Frankie and Johnny was the first Al Pacino movie I saw, so naturally, I thought he was handsome, sensitive, romantic, sexy, deep-feeling, funny—every woman’s dream. You can imagine my surprise when I watched more of his films and learned he wasn’t famous for playing romantic leads. Still, I’ll always think of him as Johnny, which is why I’ve seen almost forty of his movies.
In this adorable yet dramatic romance, an ex-con gets a job as a diner cook and woos one of the waitresses who’s been hurt so deeply she doesn’t want to try again. The two leads are Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer, and their chemistry sizzles. It’s difficult to have palpable chemistry while maintaining a level of class, especially when the backgrounds of the film are a diner and bowling alley, but Al and Michelle pull it off effortlessly. Frankie and Johnny might become your new favorite screen couple; they’re certainly one of mine. The contrast of where their characters are in their lives provides the perfect push and pull that keeps audiences riveted to the end.
My mom likes to say when she feels like she’s eavesdropping on someone’s life instead of watching a movie, she knows it’s an excellent performance. There’s a scene in which Michelle cries and tells Al about how her old boyfriend hurt her, and it’s so intimate and realistic, it feels like we shouldn’t be watching it. Both leads add subtle touches to their performances, making them all the more wonderful and memorable. As a reflex when someone gets too close, Michelle steps backwards and holds her hands up. Right before he confesses his love for Michelle, Al reaches out tenderly to stroke her hair; she doesn’t notice his movement and stands up. The look on his face in the two-second close-up speaks volumes, as does his expression when he rattles off his famous line, “I’ve seen the end of the world,” earlier in the film.
In this adorable yet dramatic romance, an ex-con gets a job as a diner cook and woos one of the waitresses who’s been hurt so deeply she doesn’t want to try again. The two leads are Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer, and their chemistry sizzles. It’s difficult to have palpable chemistry while maintaining a level of class, especially when the backgrounds of the film are a diner and bowling alley, but Al and Michelle pull it off effortlessly. Frankie and Johnny might become your new favorite screen couple; they’re certainly one of mine. The contrast of where their characters are in their lives provides the perfect push and pull that keeps audiences riveted to the end.
My mom likes to say when she feels like she’s eavesdropping on someone’s life instead of watching a movie, she knows it’s an excellent performance. There’s a scene in which Michelle cries and tells Al about how her old boyfriend hurt her, and it’s so intimate and realistic, it feels like we shouldn’t be watching it. Both leads add subtle touches to their performances, making them all the more wonderful and memorable. As a reflex when someone gets too close, Michelle steps backwards and holds her hands up. Right before he confesses his love for Michelle, Al reaches out tenderly to stroke her hair; she doesn’t notice his movement and stands up. The look on his face in the two-second close-up speaks volumes, as does his expression when he rattles off his famous line, “I’ve seen the end of the world,” earlier in the film.
A good movie often turns into a great movie with the right supporting cast. As the saying goes, “There are no small parts. . .” and Frankie and Johnny proves it. Not only is every minor character fleshed out and given memorable lines, but the actors and actresses bring them to life so well, they’ll fight for places in your heart along with the two leads. Each also either helps the main characters learn something, which is a nice touch. Hector Elizondo says, “I like your face,” and gives Al Pacino a fresh start, Glenn Plummer confesses to swiping Michelle Pfeiffer’s tips and repaying them the next day, Jane Morris shows what it’s like to be alone and lonely, and Kate Nelligan and Nathan Lane are absolutely perfect. Both their characters could have been played as flat stereotypes, and neither are. Kate has refreshing practicality when she tells deals with unwanted attention at the diner, hits on the new cook simply because he’s cute and life’s short and chance is another word for hope, and finally tells Al, “It’s not the end of the world,” when they don’t hit it off. Practically every line Nathan delivers is hilarious, but he adds in sensitivity and depth. In a two-hour movie, it’s difficult to come across as if you’ve known someone else for years, but it’s very clear he’s been Michelle’s friend during happy and sad times.
In another universe, I wouldn’t like this movie at all. I normally don’t like dramadies and have been known to shout at the funny drama, or dark comedy if you prefer, “Make up your mind!” While Frankie and Johnny is very sweet and funny, there are several dark elements to it. Why do I love it so much? Since the first time I saw it was in high school, it was probably because of the two beautiful people on the screen falling in love. Michelle’s exquisite bone structure show that no matter how much Hollywood tries to “ugly her up”, she’s still beautiful. And if any woman doesn’t wish for an uninterrupted hour every day to be gazed at by Al Pacino as she runs her fingers through his hair, she’s probably an idiot with terrible taste.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a hopeless romantic or think love doesn’t exist, you’ll love Frankie and Johnny. If you happen to be dating a Frankie and a Johnny at the same time, it’s an absolute necessity that you watch this movie right away. It might not help you make your decision between your two gentlemen, but it’s still incredibly fun—I know from personal experience!
More Al Pacino movies here!
In another universe, I wouldn’t like this movie at all. I normally don’t like dramadies and have been known to shout at the funny drama, or dark comedy if you prefer, “Make up your mind!” While Frankie and Johnny is very sweet and funny, there are several dark elements to it. Why do I love it so much? Since the first time I saw it was in high school, it was probably because of the two beautiful people on the screen falling in love. Michelle’s exquisite bone structure show that no matter how much Hollywood tries to “ugly her up”, she’s still beautiful. And if any woman doesn’t wish for an uninterrupted hour every day to be gazed at by Al Pacino as she runs her fingers through his hair, she’s probably an idiot with terrible taste.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a hopeless romantic or think love doesn’t exist, you’ll love Frankie and Johnny. If you happen to be dating a Frankie and a Johnny at the same time, it’s an absolute necessity that you watch this movie right away. It might not help you make your decision between your two gentlemen, but it’s still incredibly fun—I know from personal experience!
More Al Pacino movies here!