Film Series: Classical Music in War Movies: Scent of a Woman

Join us for the second in a 3-part series showcasing the use of classical music in war movies.  The movie we are screening is Scent of a Woman and live musical accompaniment for some scenes will be provided by members of the Cambridge Symphony Chamber Players.

Scent of a Woman, 1998, 157 minutes

Rated R

Starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell

Directed by Martin Brest

Amazon.com says, "Hoo-ah! After seven Oscar nominations for his outstanding work in films such as The Godfather, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon,

it's ironic that Al Pacino finally won the Oscar for his grandstanding

lead performance in this 1992 crowd pleaser.  As the blind, blunt, and

ultimately benevolent retired Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, Pacino is

both hammy and compelling, simultaneously subtle and grandly

over-the-top when defending his new assistant and prep school student

Charlie (Chris O'Donnell) at a disciplinary hearing.  While the subplot

involving Charlie's prep-school crisis plays like a sequel to Dead Poets Society,

Pacino's adventurous escapades in New York City provide comic relief,

rich character development, and a memorable supporting role for

Gabrielle Anwar as the young woman who accepts the colonel's invitation

to dance the tango.  Scent of a Woman is a remake of the 1972 Italian film Profumo di donna. 

In addition to Pacino's award, the picture garnered Oscar nominations

for director Martin Brest and for screenwriter Bo Goldman."

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra

has worked with organizations that honor American veterans over 2012. 

The CSO has chosen three war-themed films, and through an introduction

with live chamber music, will spotlight how familiar classical music

underscores the theme of war and its aftermath for veterans.