From: blake7@herahera.cc.bellcore.com (berardinelli,james)
Subject: Review:  SCENT OF A WOMAN (Minor SPOILERS) 
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 93 20:41:03 GMT
Summary: Pacino's Latest

SCENT OF A WOMAN

     Running Length:  2:36
     Rated:  R (Language, mature themes)

     Starring:  Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell
     Director:  Martin Brest
     Producer:  Martin Brest
     Screenplay:  Bo Goldman
     Music:  Thomas Newman
     Released by Universal Pictures

SCENT OF A WOMAN is about Charles Simms (Chris O'Donnell), a Boston prep
school senior, and the Thanksgiving weekend he spends working as the 
companion of Lt. Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino), an embittered, lonely,
blind veteran.  The job, which doesn't seem all that enjoyable to start 
with, degenerates further when Slade decides to make an unexpected visit 
to New York City.

There are certain actors that, when they appear in a film, are almost 
invariably indicators that the production is one of quality.  They are an
elite few, with names like Nicholson, Hoffman, Hackman, and Pacino.  
Considering some of the roles that Al Pacino has played in the past (THE
GODFATHER trilogy, for example), it would be hyperbole to say that he gives
the "performance of a lifetime" in SCENT OF A WOMAN.  However, there's no
doubting that for most actors, this would be a career-capper.  And though
Pacino has given performances of this strength before, that in no way 
diminishes the effort he invests in SCENT OF A WOMAN.

Chris O'Donnell, a fresh-but-not-unknown face, also does a solid job in the
more experienced man's shadow.  His role is nicely-understated as well as 
human, and he manages to fashion a rapport with the audience.  This is
necessary for the film to succeed, since it's through his eyes that the story
unfolds.

In essence, SCENT OF A WOMAN is another in a neverending series of bonding 
pictures where each person has something unique to offer to the other. 
However, this movie is special; it goes deeper than the average film of its
ilk, plumbing the depths of two superbly-rendered characters.  There are 
numerous dynamic scenes, along with a surprising amount of comedy.  Director/
Producer Martin Brest knows how to blend humor with drama.  His mix is nearly
flawless, and he manages to do almost the entire film without resorting to
cheap, manipulative tricks.  Laughter, tears, and cheers are genuine - straight
from the heart - not the result of the movie-makers maneuvering us into 
giving pre-programmed responses.  Considering how sound the bulk of this film
is, the final moments are weak, but skillfully handled nevertheless.  Brest
is also a master at enocuraging viewers to suspend disbelief.  There's a scene
in SCENT OF A WOMAN with Pacino and O'Donnell in a Ferrari that, while 
implausible, is natural in the context of the film.

The movie is as long as its storyline demands.  It doesn't seem like two and
one-half hours, and less time with these characters would have cheated the
audience.  Aided by an emotive score from Thomas Newman, SCENT OF A WOMAN is
a masterful production and a superb way to start 1993. 

                          Rating:  9.6 (A+, ****)

- James (blake7@cc.bellcore.com)

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