While it is insignificant to say one is greater than the other, who is the greater actor: Pacino or DeNiro?

Question

Give movie examples. This is the thrilling nature of the question.

Answer 1

This is a tough one, as not only are these two of our greatest actors, but they are frequently compared. I actually had to mull it over before giving the slight edge to DeNiro. I was tempted to pick Pacino because he has less junk work on his resume...that is, less movies like Hide and Seek, the type of film where it seems an actor is just there for a paycheck. But since Hollywood IS a business, it seems wrong to hold those kind of movies against DeNiro. And going toe to toe in the mob movies that really made these men household names, I again give slight favor to Pacino. Both of them are excellent heavies, but Al is slightly better at portraying the weakness of his character...compare DeNiro's Jimmy the Gent, and his reaction to Tommy's death in Goodfellas, which had some fairly bogus crying, to the collapse of Lefty's (Pacino) world in Donnie Brasco. But as others have said, DeNiro has more range. He's been Frankenstien's monster, and done comedy. But it's a really fine line, and a new great film by either man could tip the scale.

Answer 2

DeNiro. His performance as Capone was chilling, especially when he was walking around the table with the baseball bat. Then he went from that to Meet the Fockers where he was hilarious when he talked about Puff the Magic Dragon! I think he's so diverse, and that's what makes him such a great actor.

Answer 3

It is difficult to compare actors when ti comes from question of who is greater than...As a movie audience, both actors are great actors. You might want to compare them to how they work as a professional actor, how their life as character had heavily influence everybody around the world, how they contribute their help (as real person ) to the world and, of course their cultural background. But if you want to know who is greater, I vote for Pacino...because older is wiser and more experience in acting...in "movies".

Answer 4

What a conundrum you pose; firstly, I am a great fan of both these actors, and in all things physical, I judge them equal. If you consider Pacino's performance in "Scent of a Woman" as one of his finer roles, and compare it to Deniro's performance in "Cape Fear, it shows just how difficult to judge if either is the greater actor. Honestly, I love them both, and just cant decide.

Answer 5

I would say Pacino, because of his greater scope. Two cases in point are his Shakespearean acting in Looking for Richard and The Merchant of Venice.

Do love De Niro, though.

Answer 6

I choose DeNiro. He is capable of both drama, chilling characterization and comedy.

However, Pacino is powerful - especially in Godfather II. The scene where he sits broodingly at his desk in a pin-striped suit, sort of like a spider in his lair is stunnngly ominous.

Answer 7

This is acting....it's art....it's entertaining

It's not a sport....

where they keep stats of who is winning..

kinda like wrestling or as some call it Extreme Acting lol

Answer 8

I don't like Al Pacino.When he rants I want to fill a sock with sand.

Answer 9

They are both so good it would be an insult to say one was not as good .

Answer 10

Pacino

scarface..... nothing else needs to be said