Film interview Ocean's 13 - Al Pacino part two
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What is it like to work with Steven Soderbergh as a director?
Al: He’s a great director. I had heard how great he was and, of course, saw his great movies. It was one of the great experiences, being around him and working with him. He makes scenes come alive in such a way for you and at the same time you never feel as though you’re in a movie. It’s just so easy. To the manner born, as they say, and that’s him. He creates this ambience, which is one of the great things directors do, and feel that place of comfort, which frees you up as an actor. You know that he’s watching. I never worked with him before, but I met him and talked to him a little bit, and knew he was a sensitive person. But to work with him was a real treat.
I got to ask you just a question about your sidekick, Abigail Sponder, played by Ellen Barkin. Who is she to him?
Al: Well, she’s someone who for some reason is enamored with Willy, because this guy does have certain gifts. Anyone who gets this far has gifts and I think she respects those gifts. I think she’s also someone who has a certain look which she appreciates for business because everything is for business with these people. I don’t think he knows much about her personal life or anything. I don’t think he could tell you the color of her eyes, but she’s there and he knows somehow that she looks good in a dress because people have told him. She gets the job done, though. Other people sort of don’t exist for him, really.
Does it even occur to him that Danny Ocean and his crew could pull this job off that they’re planning against him?
Al: I don’t think he’s threatened by them. I think he feels superior, but he knows he has to think and he can’t quite believe it because he’s very well covered. Whoever he’s got behind him are people of some sort of weight. He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t. And people I’m sure owe him favors and stuff. But at the same time, it’s human nature to underestimate people. That’s one of his flaws, you might say.
Was it fun to be part of this cast, which has worked together on the past films?
Al: Oh, yeah. When you’re around people who do this the way they do it and they want you in, it immediately makes you comfortable. I did know some of these guys from before but it’s just a warm, wonderful feeling they have. I’ve met Julie a couple of times, Brad, and having met Matt, he’s just a great guy, Don Cheadle, and all of them. It’s wonderful. Elliot Gould is a friend of mine. He’s a card playing buddy, Elliot.
Do you consider Willy Bank the villain of the piece?
Al: Oh, no. I think he is an unconscionable person, the things that he does, yeah. But when you play a part like this you try to at least find that balance where you can see some of his foibles. I’m not talking about his humanity; it’s not that kind of picture. But at the same time, you want to give a slant on it. He could go both ways, and there’s something about him that is vulnerable even though he’s not.
