Scent Of A Woman (DVD 2004)

I seriously doubt whether there has been a more deserving Oscar performance from a leading actor. Pacino is simply stunning in this virtuoso performance, he dominates the film from start to finish and the act is nothing short of magnificent. Playing retired Army Lt Col Frank Slade, Pacino takes the viewer through a whole range of emotions and feelings, from the dark black humour to tragic despondency; from standing ovation rooting to fatherly love it really does have it all.
Don't get me wrong, the film isn't all about Pacino, a young Chris O'Donnell puts on a great turn as the naive schoolboy and for all of Pacino's dominance of centre stage it's great credit to O'Donnell that his performance also shines.

Both characters are ably supported by a whole host of extras, like O'Donnell's school colleagues who play the rich spoilt arrogant role fantastically well, Gabrielle Anwar as the infamous tango partner who is grace and elegant personified, Leonard Gaines as the Ferrari salesman and I could go on.

The actual film composition is just scene after scene of great drama and emotion and you could pick any one of a couple of dozen of classic moments , just pick your favourite from these perfect instances; Franks and Charles's first meeting, the airplane scene, the Thanksgiving dinner, the school disciplinary council, the suicide attempt and the Ferrari test drive. I could mention several others that are just as good, there really isn't a weak moment in the whole film.