Why is Al Pacino been in so many gangster films, and what about his acting style gets him cast in gangster films?

He's Italian.

"He's Italian."

Well so are almost 20 million other Americans who don't have Pacino's career!

I think the reason why actors often get typecast is a combination of what they are already famous for--the movies and other work they have already done--and the fact that many directors and others think that certain actors have something about them--their physical appearance, something about the way they normally talk and behave, or both--that gives them an affinity for certain types of roles. It should be noted that Robert de Niro is more noted for playing gangster roles than Al Pacino.

Great topic!!!!1!