‘The Phil’ makes Pacino an offer he can’t refuse
Tonight TCD’s fans of the star of such classic films as The Godfather trilogy, Donnie Brasco, Serpico, Scarface, Glengarry Glenross, and Dog Day Afternoon will be not only hear him speak, but also get a chance to ask him questions.
While “The Phil” — as the University Philosophical Society is commonly known — has had little difficulty throughout its long and distinguished history in attracting major players to its events, an additional carrot for Pacino was TCD’s strong links with playwright Oscar Wilde.
Perhaps better known to many as a leading film star, the American is also a noted, Tony award-winning stage actor. In the past he has played Herod in a Broadway production of Wilde’s “Salome” and is currently in the process of making his own documentary on the famous play, to be called “Salomaybe”.
“Something caught his eye,” Daire Hickey, the society’s president said, “and I think it was because he has a great interest in Oscar Wilde. Wilde is a former member of the society and studied here and spent many of his formative years in Trinity. Al Pacino is fascinated by Wilde.”
The legendary actor, who won an Oscar for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade in the 1992 movie Scent of a Woman, is eschewing all press attention during his visit to Dublin and has already turned down many interview requests during his visit to this part of the world. One of his forthcoming movie projects is a starring role in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Thirteen, alongside George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Andy Garcia.
Although time is money for a man of his stature, like all people who agree to talk to the Philosophical Society in Trinity, he will not earn any appearance fee tonight.
“It’s a great honour that he agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to visit us,” Daire said.
The society’s president is a native of Cork city and is currently midway through his degree course in Business and Economics at TCD. Given the society’s hectic schedule, Daire has had to take a year out from his studies.
In recent weeks, members have hosted TV star David Hasselhoff, of Knight Rider and Baywatch Fame — “he’s a really, really nice guy, very funny” — as well as Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone who spoke at length about his latest release, World Trade Centre.
“In all, we have over 150 events a year and most of them are with guest speakers,” Daire said, “we would have an average of about eight guests a week.
“It’s one of the world’s oldest student societies and is the oldest society in Trinity. People enjoy the principles of the society — it’s about free speech and debate and no topic is taboo and a lot of people like that,” said Daire.
Al Pacino’s addition to the roll-call is eagerly-awaited by all due to attend but, if you haven’t a ticket yet, you can forget it!
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