The air crackles with an almost palpable electricity. A dimly lit, elegant restaurant, the opening strains of a tango, and two figures about to etch themselves into cinematic history. When Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, blind but brimming with a formidable zest for life, takes Donna’s hand, what unfolds is far more than just a dance; it’s a masterclass in living, an explosion of passion, and a scene that continues to captivate audiences decades later. It’s the kind of profoundly resonant cultural touchstone that frequently appears as a particularly rewarding crossword clue, challenging solvers to recall its magic.
The setup for this iconic sequence in “Scent of a Woman” is as crucial as the dance itself. Frank Slade, portrayed with raw intensity by Al Pacino in an Oscar-winning performance, is a retired Army officer, cantankerous and cynical, yet possessed of an undeniable charisma. He’s visiting New York with his young escort, Charlie, and their stop at the Waldorf-Astoria for dinner introduces him to Donna (Gabrielle Anwar), a beautiful young woman waiting for her date. Despite his blindness, Slade approaches her with a compelling blend of charm and bluntness, eventually coaxing her onto the dance floor. This isn’t merely an old man’s fancy; it’s a challenge, an invitation to experience life on his terms, one exhilarating step at a time.
What follows is an exquisite, sensual tango set to Carlos Gardel’s “Por una Cabeza.” The dance is a spectacle of elegance and precision, made all the more breathtaking by Slade’s sightlessness. He doesn’t just lead; he commands the dance, his other senses heightened to compensate for his lack of vision. He feels the music, the rhythm of his partner, the space around them. The scene is a testament to trust, connection, and the belief that passion can overcome any perceived limitation. Slade navigates the dance floor with astonishing grace, guiding Donna through intricate steps, turns, and dips, each movement imbued with a profound sense of purpose. “No mistakes in the tango, darling, not like life,” he famously intones, a line that encapsulates the scene’s underlying philosophy.
Beyond the sheer beauty of the choreography, the tango is a powerful metaphor for Slade’s character arc and his worldview. For him, life is to be lived intensely, without regret, seizing every opportunity for joy and experience. His ability to lead such a complex dance while blind underscores his conviction that true sight comes from within, from feeling and intuition, rather than just what the eyes perceive. The “scent of a woman” isn’t just a literal perception for him; it’s his way of connecting with beauty, vitality, and the essence of life itself. The dance is an act of defiance against his own limitations, a grand gesture that reveals the vibrant, passionate man beneath the gruff exterior.
For anyone who enjoys the mental workout of a daily crossword clue, iconic cinematic moments like this are a treasure trove. A cleverly phrased crossword clue might hint at the film’s title, the lead actor, the specific dance, or even the memorable musical piece. The enduring power of this sequence makes it perfect fodder for a challenging crossword clue, whether it seeks a one-word answer or a more elaborate phrase. It’s a moment so deeply ingrained in popular culture that even a subtle reference can spark instant recognition for many solvers. The scene’s lasting impact lies not just in its visual splendor but in its emotional resonance and philosophical depth, cementing its place as one of cinema’s most unforgettable dance sequences and a frequently revisited topic, even in the realm of the challenging crossword clue. It’s a vivid reminder of how film can transcend storytelling and become a profound commentary on the human spirit.
Available Answers:
TANGO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1116-25 NY Times Crossword 16 Nov 25, Sunday