I cannot believe I was missing out on this existential indie gem directed by Al Pacino

Al Pacino is hands down one of the most legendary actors in Hollywood, who has been acting for several decades. Some of his most popular films include the Godfather series, Heat, Scarface, and Dog Day Afternoon. Besides his acting chops, Pacino has also directed a film that went under the radar.

Back in 2000, the actor helmed and starred in an indie gem that I had no clue about for years. I accidentally stumbled upon this drama film called Chinese Coffee. Here's the official synopsis of this Al Pacino starrer:

Harry and Jake, two unsuccessful writers, spend a cathartic evening arguing about money, aesthetics, their friendship, and Harry's new manuscript.

I recently discovered this underrated directorial gem of Al Pacino

A still from Chinese Coffee | Image via Jerry O'Buck YouTube

While we all know Al Pacino for the great actor he is, I was surprised to find out that he has also directed an indie gem called Chinese Coffee. Written by Ira Lewis, the film was adapted from Lewis' eponymous one-act play.

Pacino portrays Harry Levine, a struggling novelist who has been fired from his full-time job. His friend Jake Manheim (played by Jerry Orbach) is going through the same situation and is also a writer. The film mostly revolves around their conversation one evening, where they talk about several things, like money, companionship, and the new book Harry has written.

I have mostly seen Al Pacino as a loud actor (case in point, his performance in Michael Mann's Heat). But he can also be very subtle if needed, and there are many examples of the same. In Chinese Coffee, he is vulnerable and showcases a sense of tiredness with his body language. He is a defeated guy trying to cope with a failed personal and professional life. However, he has his friend Jake by his side.

While a lot of indie films resort to being dialogue-heavy due to budget issues, only a few manage to do it well. This Pacino starrer is written and performed in an interesting manner that keeps you hooked. But it's worth mentioning that the film is deliberately paced, so you might get disappointed if you are looking for a racy watch.

On the surface level, the plot seems too simple to sit through. Two friends are living in a cramped apartment in New York as they spend an evening discussing several things. Pacino's performance in the film is unlike what he has done before. His only hope is clinging to his unpublished manuscript, which he believes might change his life. The existential angle to his character comes out in several scenes where he expresses his regrets in life.

It was refreshing for me to see a star like Pacino shed his stardom and allow himself to fully become the character. There is not an ounce of pretense in his acting, and it's so good to watch. Chinese Coffee is a film that people would not generally watch because of its size.

The film is Al Pacino's second directorial effort after the 1996 documentary flick Looking for Richard. He focuses more on the characters and their arc instead of going for fancy-looking shots or trying to make it cinematic. If given a chance, give Chinese Coffee a watch.