(his character was a
catatonic who also suffered from Parkinson's disease) and, because he's been
"asleep" for years, reacts to every environment as a child would. Pacino's
motor-mouthed military man is "just" blind, though we're convinced he was also
afflicted with a Tourette's-like tendency to yell everything he says. His
scenery-chewing resulted in an Oscar, albeit a compensatory one for Pacino not
winning for "The Godfather" (or "Dog Day Afternoon," or ...). De Niro's physicality
is the most impressive thing in Penny Marshall's sap-fest, though the
performance is just as tic-ridden and showy as Pacino's sightless mentor in the
"Scent"-ed sea of cheese. But, because the latter took home the gold for his
troubles, the judges determined that the round goes to Mr. "Hoo-ah!" by merits
alone. Still, whoever wins, we all lose.
Winner: Pacino, by this much
(Columbia / Courtesy Everett Collection)
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