Film: Scarface
Director: Brian De Palma
Country: USA
Released: December 1983
Runtime: 170 minutes
Genre: Gangster Movie
Studio: Universal
Influenced: Tony Scott, Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, Nicolas Winding Refn, Matteo Garrone
A loose remake of the original 1932 film of the same name, directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hughes, Brian De Palma's Scarface is a timeless gangster story that has a contemporary focus on issues like the surge in drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, during the 1980s and the mass migration of Cuban refugees to the USA as part of the Mariel boatlift in 1980. This real-life event provides the backdrop for Tony Montana's arrival in Miami, Florida, who is seeking a new life in America. Oliver Stone's screenplay also drew inspiration from various real-life gangsters for Montana's character, most notably Al Capone, mirroring his rise and fall and the brutal tactics he used to maintain power. Scarface explores issues of immigration, the pursuit of the American Dream and the lure of material success, as well as the classic tragic theme of the consequences of unchecked ambition and greed.
Montana, played by Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles, is a Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami along with his friend Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer), with an ambition to pursue the "American Dream". However, both Montana and Ribera quickly become involved in the criminal underworld, working for a drug dealer named Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia). As Tony and Manny prove their worth, Frank's empire grows, and they become more deeply entangled in the drug trade. Tony's ambition, ruthless nature and determination to seize power lead him to betray Frank and take control of the cocaine distribution in Miami. He marries Frank's girlfriend, Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer), and builds his criminal empire, amassing immense wealth and power.
One of the most infamous scenes in the film is when Tony, in a fit of rage, uses a chainsaw to brutally murder a former colleague who betrayed him. At the time of its release, Scarface received an "X" rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) due to its portrayal of extreme violence and drug use, but De Palma and producer Martin Bregman fought against the rating and managed to have it changed to an "R" rating. The chainsaw scene scene, in particular, became a symbol of the film's uncompromising depiction of violence. Another iconic and violent scene is the climactic showdown when Tony utters the legendary line, "Say hello to my little friend!" to his enemies while wielding an M16 assault rifle with a grenade launcher, showing his descent into madness and megalomania.
Tony's empire collapses around him, largely due to his drug addiction and paranoia, ending in a spectacular shootout at his opulent mansion. Despite mixed critical reviews upon its release, Scarface has now achieved cult status and the film has been referenced and parodied in numerous movies, TV shows, video games and songs, particularly in the world of hip hop and rap. The film delves deep into the psyche of Tony Montana, making him a complex and unforgettable character, and Al Pacino's charismatic performance helped cement his status as a Hollywood legend. Soundtracked by Giorgio Moroder's lovely score, few films explore in such a powerful way the dark underbelly of the American Dream and the brutal consequences of greed and excess.
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