This is my first painting. As I explore different experiences in life, I always look to learn new skills, even simply for experimentation and enjoyment, because they broaden my knowledge and abilities in any case. My first painting had to feature an exceptional figure of worldwide renown: cinema's leading man, the living legend Al Pacino, who astonished the world early in his career as Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Whether as himself or as Michael Corleone, Pacino has that imposing look of intense concentration, undistracted by peripheral matters. It reflects the character's immense presence and dignity, and a patient, wise capacity to see far ahead.
I used only black and white to emphasise the effect of shadows, reveal the character's depth in darkness and the reflection of that darkness upon him, and convey mystery, one of the picture's essential elements. It also shows an emotional numbness, or coldness, that became one of the character's defining traits after a sequence of events transformed him profoundly. Once someone who would never even have approached the shadows, he became immersed in darkness.
No one wanted Al Pacino to play Michael Corleone in The Godfather. He received support from the writer, who fully understood Pacino's personality and knew that he needed time to adapt to a role. No one wanted him: objections here, complaints there, pressure from time to time, and hateful looks from fools who did not want young talent to develop—much as we see today. But in the end, he did it. Some who had opposed him admitted that they had almost lost one of the greatest film stars in history.
Michael Corleone likewise faced many enemies who did not want the young gentleman to succeed. Even when his good deeds reached their height, his enemies multiplied. If you want to gain enemies here and there, all you have to do is succeed, and you will see them rushing towards you from every direction. Never mind: just move forward, pay them no attention, and remain cautious.