Scarface (1983 film)

Brian De Palma’s 1983 movie, “Scarface,” has become such a classic film over time and the protagonist, Al Pacino as Tony Montana, is such an iconic pop cultural figure that few people would believe that he was actually nominated for a Razzie as the Worst Director in 1984. “Scarface” is yet another film that was maybe misunderstood when it was released, but has made such a solid cult following over time (it influenced a lot of rappers and hip-hop artists during the 90s) and is recognized by IMDB as one of the top 250 films. When we look at all the gangster films, this may not be as good compared to “The Godfather Part 1 and 2” or “Goodfellas,” but it still is up there with the top 10 of its genre and has become immensely popular over time. Esteban Gonzalez said in his review, “Despite having never seen the film in its entirety before, I was familiar with the ending.” Everyone knows the famous line “Say hello to my little friend” from this film even though there are those people who have never seen this movie before because the ending to “Scarface” is hands down one of the most famous ending scenes in cinema history.  “Scarface” has so many memorable lines that it’s downright impossible to choose one, and that is because the script was written by Oliver Stone who loosely adapted it from a previous movie. This is such a memorable film thanks mostly to Al Pacino’s masterful performance as Tony Montana. Gonzalez admits, “He has made so many great films in his career, but I think this character will always stand out a bit above the rest. For some critics, his performance may be over the top, but I think he nailed it and that is why Montana has become such an iconic figure over time.” There is something about him that has exceeded time and cultures. It is an epic and ultimately violent stylized film and that is why Al Pacino’s over-the-top and loud performances are done so well. “Scarface” has a runtime of 170 minutes but it never fails to entertain you for a second.

During the Mariel harbor opening in Cuba, more than 100,000 Cuban refugees were sent to the United States, one of them happening to be a communist-hating ex-military, Tony Montana. He has huge dreams and large ambitions that when he arrives, he has to start off at the low like everyone does when they first start a job. He and his friend, Manny (Steven Bauer) begin washing dishes when they are approached by Omar Suarez (Murray Abraham) to make a business deal with some dangerous Colombians involving some drugs and money. Tony and Manny survive their mission and Omar introduces them to his boss, Frank Lopez, played by Robert Loggia, a drug kingpin in Miami, who hires them on the spot. Frank has everything: a big mansion, nice cars, and a beautiful wife named Elvira, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Everything that Tony dreams of having when he arrives in the United States. Tony is determined to never stop until he gets everything that he wants and in doing so helps his sister Gina, played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, who he has been separated from when he was in his prison time in Cuba. The only problem is that he will have to make a lot of enemies when he is climbing the ladder.

Gonzalez mentioned, “I really don't know what DePalma's true intentions were for Scarface. I don't believe he was trying to glorify Scarface because he was portrayed in a dark and negative light, but over time he has become sort of a role model for some people.” Perhaps Al Pacino’s performance was so powerful that it made it easy for audiences to relate to this ambitious character. De Palma was able to make the audience care for this unbalanced and explosive character. On one hand, he refused to kill women and children, but on the other hand, he was able to kill his best friend without hesitating. “Scarface” looks like it walks on the fine line between glorifying the character and showing how dangerous ambition and excesses can be. This depressing mood set in the film can be seen through Elvira, someone who has it all but seems completely unhappy with her life. Even when Tony seems to lose himself completely by this unrestrained behavior once he gets everything he wanted. He hates seeing Gina with other men involved in the same business because he knows how dangerous this life is. Gonzalez says, “That is why I think DePalma was never trying to portray Scarface in a glorifying light, but over time his character has become admired by worldwide audiences.” The film has a lot to say about ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, but above all, it is a stylized mega-violent film that doesn’t have the technical achievements that “The Godfather” had. It still stays as one of the best gangster and immigrant films of the 80s, and one of my all-time favorite films.

Pacino said that one day he was walking down Sunset Boulevard and saw the original “Scarface” from the 30s, saying that this is a picture and a movie, even admitting that Paul Muni is one of the greatest actors he had ever seen. Pacino then called producer Martin Bregman up and told him about the original movie, and Bregman then made the remake. Pacino had to work with Bauer on the Cuban accent. During Pfeiffer’s screen test, she had to do the scene where she threw dishes, and when the test was over, they looked around and saw blood everywhere. People were checking to see if Pfeiffer hadn’t cut herself, but she looked over at Pacino and saw his hand was bleeding. After cutting Pacino in her screen test, he started to like Pfeiffer.

In the end, I will have to tell you that if you haven’t seen this film, what are you doing reading this review then? Go out and see this film because it is one of the best films you will ever see. I promise you this. This movie gets a high recommendation from me, as it does deserve.

Watch out for next Monday to see what I will put as the next entry in “Al Pacino Month.”