Co-stars sing the praises of leading man Al Pacino in new movie 'Danny Collins'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In the new movie "Danny Collins," Al Pacino plays a veteran rock star who discovers a long lost letter, one that told the then young music star to stay true to his music.

Sadly, it arrives decades too late. But it ignites a fire and causes the singer to do some serious soul-searching.

In the movie, Pacino sings and works with a first time director; things that make him look a bit fearless. But the 74-year-old Oscar winner admitted that he is often afraid when tackling a new role.

"Maybe I'm so afraid that I take on the craziest roles, but I do find it's daunting, you know? It always was," Pacino said.

Another daunting part of "Danny Collins" is that Pacino is in almost every scene of the movie.

"I'm glad I didn't know that while we were shooting it," he said, laughing. "That's great!"

Part of Danny's shot at redemption involves attempting to begin a relationship with the son he never knew - actor Bobby Cannavale, who was quick to sign on for the role.

"Every actor wants to work with Al Pacino," Cannavale said. "And I've now been lucky enough to work with him twice--on stage and in film. And there's just nothing like it. He's the greatest. In my opinion, he's the greatest actor alive."

Co-star Annette Bening agrees.

"I was completely charmed and had a crush on him immediately. And I know him! And we've hung out together, but I had never worked with him. So I was quite dazzled," she said.

So was writer-director Dan Fogelman. He wrote the role with Pacino in mind. He says the actor took a chance on being in his feature film directorial debut.

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

"Danny Collins" is rated R and is in theaters now in limited release.