Al Pacino coined the phrase, "Hoo-haa!" in the film, Scent of a Woman (1992).1 His role as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, landed him his first Oscar. His character was a blind man who had not adapted well to losing his sight. A young boy, Charlie is hired to help him while his daughter is out of town. Throughout the movie, Frank is seen with a glass of Jack Daniels in his hand. He uses drinking as an excuse to harass those around him and escape his disability. If it were not for Frank’s blindness his cruelty would not be tolerated. On the opposite side his blindness allows him to intrinsically read people and touch their lives. Frank was bitter because of his loss of sight, but underneath that layer was a kind heart. He was able to help Charlie and become a role model to a young man who needed someone to look up to.1
It would be natural for an individual to become bitter over losing their site. Scent of a Woman depicts these emotions in their portrayal of Frank. Despite the rough edges he is independent, intelligent and driven.
1. Al Pacino, Scent of a Woman, DVD, directed by Martin Brest (1992; NYC: Universal, 1992).
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