Al Pacino talks rock star role in 'Danny Collins'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Al Pacino usually just lets his movies do the talking for him, but he saw something special in "Danny Collins."

The movie is billed as "kind of based on a true story a little bit."

Pacino plays a music superstar who discovers John Lennon wrote him a very special letter when he was just starting out in 1971. It's a letter he only just now has received.

Now, after decades of drug and alcohol abuse, Collins wonders what if? What if he'd received that letter when Lennon wrote it?

He decides he needs a second chance with the career he really always wanted and the family he ignored.

Pacino says he takes on the craziest roles, but admits he finds it daunting at times.

His look in "Danny Collins" is kind of a mix of Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow and yes, he does sing.

First-time director Dan Fogelman wrote the movie with Pacino in mind, much like Francis Ford Coppolla did when he wrote "The Godfather" screenplay. Pacino says he felt the connection.

"He told me the final scene in the movie is the first time he's ever cried watching one of his films. My best moment was that email," Fogelman said.

"Danny Collins" is rated R and opens in movie theaters Friday.