Faces of the APA:
City by the Sea—True Story of an APA Member...

The movie City by the Sea was inspired by the events that happened in the life of New York City Detective Vincent LaMarca. In 1996, LaMarca’s estranged son, Joseph, was wanted for murder. The incident led one reporter to uncover a piece of LaMarca’s past, and reunite a father and son.

“ The theme of the movie is taking responsibility for your actions,” said LaMarca. “The responsibility of a divorced father to his family, and the responsibility a kid has growing up and making choices for himself.”

The story was picked up by Warner Brothers after an article published in Esquire magazine. Warner Brothers bought the rights to LaMarca’s life story, and then the long road of movie making began; taking approximately 5 years. LaMarca didn’t have any direct involvement in script writing or production, but was very pleased with the outcome. “Warner Brothers did a wonderful job addressing my concerns throughout the entire process. I was extremely concerned about how my father and my son would be portrayed, and they did an excellent job. As far as Vince is portrayed, they hit the nail on the head.”
Hollywood did add twists to the movie. “I was already retired and remarried when this incident happened. I retired in 1989, so I didn’t have anything to do with the investigation, as the movie suggests. Actually two detectives I trained were on the case. When Joseph became a suspect, a reporter found out who I was and began digging up my past. That’s when they found out my father was executed for murder when I was 12 years old,” said LaMarca. “Also, Joey doesn’t have a son. At the end of the Esquire article, I said ‘I hoped to be a better grandfather than I was a father.’ So Hollywood wrote in a son for Joseph to stress that, though I do have grandchildren from my other children.”

Both Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro wanted to play the role of Vince LaMarca. “I got to meet both actors. They were both incredible men. DeNiro did get the role, and I think he did a phenomenal job. He is so laid back and quiet, and he cared how I felt. Meeting him was an experience. My wife and I were escorted up to his room. I extended my arm to shake his hand, and he pulled me in and gave me a big hug. He said he was glad to meet me!” remembers LaMarca.

LaMarca is pleased so many people could relate to the situations in the movie, and said that the film helped him work though some of the feelings and emotions he had inside him for so long. “At screenings, women commented to me about relating to the position my ex-wife was in. Many people also told me the sympathy they felt for my son. I was able to deal with the execution of my father and the situation with my son after it was out there for everyone to see. I could finally read the letters my father had written to me before his death,” said LaMarca.

“ It’s a shame my son had to kill someone for us to develop a relationship, but everything is working out now. Joey is still in prison; he’ll be out in about 9 years. I visit him and we talk. We have a good relationship,” said LaMarca.

LaMarca has been an APA member for about six years. He plays 9-Ball twice a week. “I enjoy 9-Ball because it’s a mind game really. There’s more required between your ears, and I’ve beaten better players than I am because I’ve played smarter. I really love the competition and the challenge of the game.” Vince and his wife play on a team together. He’s glad they can spend time together doing something they both enjoy.

This article orginally appeared in the Summer 2003 issue of The American Poolplayer Magazine produced by the American Poolplayers Association.