Scent of a Woman

Scent of a Woman

Written as a Review Paper

Al Pacino's voice has always been a marvel, but it is perhaps the first time that he has portrayed a character that presents him with an opportunity to copiously brandish his voice and showcase the full gamut of his talents. That voice is pure aggression. A weapon, with which, Frank Slade delights in shredding people to ribbons. But, definitely, aggression is not the only nature his voice assumes, and as we see, it also melts into a syrupy purr when he talks about women and the mysterious aroma that encompasses them, thus, bringing out the poet in him. What Michelle Pfeiffer did with her bullwhip in "Batman Returns," Al Pacino does with his vocal cords in “Scent of a Woman”.

It is very seldom that we come across a production that devotes so much impetus to the voice of the characters. Al Pacino delineates the role of the retired and blind veteran, Colonel Frank Slade. His expressions, even though circumscribed by the darkness which shackles him, are life-infused and let loose by his voice. It is the adroitness and effectiveness with which Al Pacino garners and commands his voice, gives the movie its distinct flavor. There are only a handful of actors who fall in the same elite criterion as Al Pacino. His very appearance on the screen suggests a masterpiece in the making. Thus, Colonel Frank Slade is brought to life in a way that perhaps no one in the film industry could even come close to, let alone replicate.

Director, Martin Brest, does a phenomenal job of brewing humor with anger. At first we are broached to a character whose tone and remarks are so caustic and filled with acerbity, that we find him absolutely abominable. The fact that Slade and Charlie do not get along at first, creates a great atmosphere and keeps the audience guessing and glued to their seats. As the movie unfolds, Slade’s changing voice further reveals his convoluted character. The “Tango” scene where Al Pacino dances with Gabrielle Anwar is one such magical moment- unfettered, unforced and highly delectable. At first frightened for being accosted by a stranger, it does not take long for Slade to mesmerize and engage her in a conversation. It seems as if she is hypnotized by the words he speaks, which sheds light on the romantic within him by truly reflecting his feelings and longing desire for women.

Perhaps, the best example of the electricity contained in Slade’s voice is the last scene of the movie where he delivers a speech at the congregation at Charlie’s school. The uncontained ferocity, unleashed by his voice, shatters more than the facade of pseudo intellectualism erected by the faculty and rumbles the very grounds on which they claimed to have built “leaders”. His speech serves more than just a grand finale for the film. It is the final summation of his character as well, flaunting pure integrity and honor.

Al Pacino’s voice has such magic that one can literally “see” the whole movie with one’s eyes closed. In a nutshell, the success of the movie lies in the fact that it is not only a voyage for Charlie, but also extends to the onlookers. Everyone, in some way or the other, can not only relate to this movie but learn from it as well. What initially seems to be a story of an embittered and frustrated man is kept alive by three facets of Slade’s character- his voice, his grudging sense of humor and the romantic within him, suggesting that there is much more to this man than a rancorous outlook on life and a couple of hearty “hoo-ha’s” .