Case Study: Al Pacino

Al Pacino above as police officer Frank Serpico 1973, costumes by Clifford Capone. Pacino is best known for playing gangsters. Below left Michael Corleone of the Godfather series 1972-90 and right Tony Montana of Scarface, 1983.

Godfather I is set between 1945-55 and established Corleone as a military hero by dressing him in uniform in the first part of the film. When the suit wearing follows his character ages. Costumes by Anna Johnstone.

Godfather II costumes by Theodora Van Runkle, follows Corleone expanding the family business. He is shown exclusively in dark colors and black business suits.

By Godfather III, 1990, Pacino is a patriarch and shown again in the dark classic business suit. Costumes by Milena Canonera.

Scarface is a sharp contrast with costume. Pacino portrays Cuban gangster Tony Montana in Miami. Costumes by Patricia Norris emphasize a light and bright color palette with dominate whites and bright reds. All dresses and suits were custom made for the film.

The lightweight linen chosen for both the male and female suit are characteristic of the Miami climate.

The tux is perhaps the only look which would could link to the Godfather series.