Yesterday HBO showed the world its trailer for Paterno, a TV movie centering on the college football with the second highest amount of game wins, Joe Paterno. The film is based on true events and takes an in-depth look into his fall from grace at Penn State. In 2009, the former coach’s colleague Jerry Sandusky was caught in a child sex scandal. People eventually began to question how much Paterno knew before he admitted anything to the authorities.
Paterno is played by Al Pacino. The trailer doesn’t offer much of a look into his portrayal, but it’s difficult to imagine him giving a poor performance with seven Oscar noms and one win under his belt. The least we can say is that the resemblance is somewhat uncanny after make-up and wardrobe. The fast-paced trailer with all its camera flashes suggests that the film will focus on the frenzied media circus surrounding the incident.
At one point there’s what’s meant to be a menacing clip of Sandusky smiling in an elevator with a young child as the door closes, but the look on his face almost plays as comical. However, it is apparent that the film is advocating in the right direction: against child abuse and will most likely be treating the subject with utmost respect. Other than that, the trailer made the film appear compelling. It’s directed by Barry Levinson (Rain Man) and will be available for audiences starting in the spring.
The trailer can be viewed below.
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