Dito Montiel, the director of “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” with Marvel Studios star Robert Downey Jr. and Channing Tatum, has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His newest film, “Captivated,” gave him a rare chance to reunite with his personal hero, Al Pacino. While shooting in Rome, Montiel says Pacino unexpectedly returned to a location from “The Godfather Part II”—more than 50 years after he first filmed there.
Al Pacino Filmed Seven Pages Before Performing Shakespeare
GettyMontiel’s admiration for Pacino is absolute. In exclusive interview with EntertainmentNow Montiel said, “Well, I mean, I worked with him before and he’s my favorite actor of all time, period,. I mean, ‘Dog Day Afternoon,’ nobody can touch that, in my opinion. Al Pacino’s my favorite in the world and he’s also a really, really sweet guy, you know? So any chance I get to, I don’t go out to coffee much with people, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Al.”
He also recalled an earlier collaboration that left him floored. “I worked with him on his 70th birthday years ago and I remember thinking we were shooting like seven pages and I thought I had broken it up into like two different, three different days. And he was like, “Oh, can we try the whole thing today? Because then I’m going to do Shakespeare in the Park tonight.” I was like, what? And then he just did the whole seven pages and then he went and did Shakespeare in the Park. And I’m like, I don’t know why I’m surprised that Jordan showed up and dunked on me. I mean, he is Al Pacino. So it’s a dream to work with him.”
Al Pacino Makes Unexpected Return to ‘Godfather II’ Location While Filming “Captivated”
GettyWhen Montiel brought Pacino to Italy to film their new film, “Captivated,” the actor had a moment of déjà vu. Montiel explained, “I remember we were shooting in this place… Al looks around and he goes, “I think I’ve been here before.” And you’re thinking like, ah, whatever, you know? And he goes, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I stayed here when we were shooting Godfather II.” And I’m like, what? Wow.”
Pacino then asked to see the kitchen to confirm. “And sure enough, that was the place because he says, “Let me see the kitchen because then I’ll know if that’s it.” And then he’s like, oh yeah, that’s the kitchen,” Montiel said.
Released in 1974, “The Godfather Part II” was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Pacino alongside Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. The sequel earned six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is still regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Pacino’s performance as Michael Corleone remains one of the most iconic roles in cinema history, anchoring a trilogy that redefined the gangster genre.
For Montiel, hearing Pacino casually reference filming with Diane Keaton decades earlier was unforgettable. “Of course, when these guys are talking, you have to sort of like step back a minute, because Diane—if I say Diane, I’m talking about someone no one knows. If he says Diane, I’m like, wait a second, you know? And it was—he was talking about Diane Keaton. So I’m like, oh sh-t. That’s who he means, you know? He’s talking about Godfather II. I did a movie here with Diane.”
Why ‘Captivated’ Will Be A Cinematic Event
Getty“Captivated” is set to continue production and filming in Rome, Italy, next year. Montiel described how the Italian settings have already transformed the way he approaches the story, from the cobblestone streets of Calabria to hidden apartments layered with centuries of history. For the director, merging Pacino’s legendary presence with the richness of these backdrops has made “Captivated” feel like a cinematic journey that bridges eras. As Montiel put it, watching Pacino reconnect with his past while stepping into a new role is a rare gift—one that promises to make “Captivated” an unforgettable film experience.
“Captivated”, centers on the 1973 real‑life kidnapping of John Paul Getty III—and the unlikely, emotionally charged bond that forms between the Calabrian mafia boss, and the victim’s mother. Pacino plays an older version of the character within a story covering two different periods of time, ironically mirroring aspects of “The Godfather Part II”. Montiel’s project promises a fresh, intimate take on a story that has never been told like this before. A release date has not yet been announced, but will likely see a theatrical release in theaters.
