'Phil Spector' Trailer: All The Wigs In The World Can't Smother Al Pacino's Temper
If you guessed the moment David Mamet cast Al Pacino as the lead of HBO Films' Phil Spector that the movie would essentially be Pacino at his nuttiest under an increasingly bizarre series of wigs, well, you were right on the mark. The first trailer shows just that, along with his Helen Mirren as his competent but uneasy defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden. Watch it after the jump.
Nice touch, using the Spector-produced "Unchained Melody" throughout the trailer. Remembering that a suspected murderer was involved in its making really gives the classic ballad some edge.
Written as well as directed by Mamet, Phil Spector focuses on the aftermath of Lana Clarkson's death in 2003 as he and Baden scrape together a defense for his first trial in 2007. Based on the trailer, it appears he was less than cooperative throughout the process. But hey, at least has George Bluth (ok, Jeffrey Tambor) on his side. That guy should know a thing or two about tangling with the law.
The actual Spector had a reputation for being volatile and flamboyant, so those who like Pacino in bigger-is-better mode should find plenty to relish here. Especially as Mamet supplies him with some delicious lines to yell: "First time you got felt up, guess what, you were listening to one of my songs!" and "I've played this game a million times, I know how this game is played!" are my favorites. Whether his performance is too campy or just campy enough, it should be entertaining to watch. Phil Spector premieres March 24 at 9 PM on HBO.
Written and directed by David Mamet, PHIL SPECTOR is his exploration of the client-attorney relationship between legendary music producer Phil Spector (Al Pacino) and defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden (Helen Mirren), who represented Spector during his first trial for murder. Mamet serves as executive producer with Barry Levinson. The cast also includes Rebecca Pidgeon, Jeffrey Tambor and Chiwetel Ejiofor.