Charlie Heaton, known for his role in Stranger Things, has spoken about a surprising mentor who helped him grow as an actor. Heaton revealed that the legendary Al Pacino played a big role in teaching him how to act better.This remark was made by the director of his latest movie, titled Billy Knight. Alec Griffen Roth, the director, had good things to say about Charlie Heaton's skills, noting that Heaton is a perpetual student of his characters. Roth noted that Heaton is "very intellectual" and highly invested in his work and that some of what he learned was from watching how Al Pacino is as an actor.In Billy Knight, Charlie Heaton portrays a young man named Alex. Alex's father has recently passed away, and he discovers a handkerchief with "Billy Knight" embroidered on it. Alex then sets off on a quest to find Billy Knight, a recluse and former successful director, who is embodied by Pacino. The journey allows Heaton to act with Pacino, making Roth's commentary about Heaton being on-the-job mentored feel even more authentic.Charlie Heaton is learning from Al PacinoAccording to Roth, Al Pacino's influence on Charlie Heaton is not just about big, theatrical acting. Roth pointed out that Heaton learned subtlety, patience, and depth by watching Pacino. Heaton, Roth said, sees acting as a constant journey. Even though Heaton did not have formal training, he has always shown a hunger to improve.In their working relationship with Billy Knight, Roth observed Heaton change in small but meaningful ways. The director said Heaton studies carefully, thinks deeply, and tries to bring real emotion into his scenes. Roth believes some of that comes from Heaton watching how Pacino builds characters, how he speaks and moves, and how he reacts even in quiet moments.Heaton's character in the movie had several opportunities to be close to Pacino's character, who is a director with age and experience and who understands the world, which involves scenes in which Heaton's character can push him, question him, and learn from him. Roth said that for Heaton, that was exciting, and he delivered.Stranger Things: Opening Night - Source: GettyRoth also mentioned Pacino was able to teach Heaton something very human about acting: it is not always about loud lines or big performances, but sometimes the biggest impact can be a single look, a quiet moment, or a soft touch. Roth quoted Pacino on his approach to acting,"I don’t need to do all this stuff. I can do it in one look."Why is this mentorship important to Charlie Heaton?This development is significant because Charlie Heaton is associated with Stranger Things, a blend of supernatural action and teen drama, whereas Billy Knight is an entirely different experience; he is performing in an emotional, contemplative story about memory, loss, and legacy as a creative artist. Working with a legend like Al Pacino is an opportunity for Charlie to flourish and be seen differently.Pacino himself is one of the greatest actors of his generation. Throughout his long career, he has trained under Lee Strasberg and performed in many legendary films. His presence in any film brings a history of deep acting work and a sense of weight to the production. For Charlie Heaton to learn from Al Pacino is a big deal. It is not just watching a great actor; it is learning how to be one.For Roth, the director, Pacino's influence goes beyond Heaton. Roth said Pacino also taught him the craft of filmmaking. He learned from Pacino to slow down, to take time with scenes, and to let moments breathe. According to Roth, making Billy Knight was "therapeutical." He said it helped him understand his own feelings of grief, loss, and the need to make art that matters. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostBy mentioning Al Pacino, Charlie Heaton has reminded us that while there are natural gifts, great acting often involves mentorship and simply quiet observation. Even emerging actors such as Heaton, who have completely different experiences, can learn a tremendous amount from observing and even working with the legends. Roth suggests that Heaton is not just talented but humble and ready to learn.The story of Billy Knight itself is a kind of tribute to cinema. The film is about a forgotten director, about the power of art, and about how memory lives in film. With Pacino in the role of Billy, Heaton as the seeker, and Roth as the creator, the film becomes a celebration of film history and learning.