Scarface
"You need people like me. You need people like me so you can point your fuckin' fingers and say, 'That's the bad guy.' So... what that make you? Good? You're not good. You just know how to hide, how to lie. Me, I don't have that problem. Me, I always tell the truth. Even when I lie"
Scarface is the massive 1983 crime/action hit directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. Al Pacino stars as the determined and criminal-minded Cuban refugee Antonio Montana, who arrives in Miami during the mass emigration and brutally builds his powerful drug empire as well as his ego, before his paranoia and drug addiction begin to plague his success.
Al Pacino, in a career-defining role, delivers one of the most iconic performances in film history, he fully commits to Tony's volatility and ambition. His energy and physical presence dominates every scene and makes him impossible to ignore. A multitude of his line deliveries became legendary, hugely impacting cinema, and his gradual shift as the story goes on is also reflected well in his change in body language and tone. Pacino doesn't break character once in the role that's clearly made for him, while his voice, face, and confidence combine for an "of all time" performance. Additionally, Steven Bauer as Manny brought warmth, charisma, and emotional contrast, creating a believable friendship with Tony. While Pfeiffer's convincing detachment fitted Elvira's cynical worldview, Montana's various enemies also added sleaziness and intimidation despite limited screentime.
De Palma's direction gives the film a grand, operatic scale that fits Montana's rise and fall. The visual style was quite memorable thanks to bold colouring, lighting and Miami aesthetics, and the set design, outfits, and decor were all marvellously fitting with the movie's themes and atmosphere. The cinematography often framed Tony like a king, which reinforced his growing power skilfully, while so many chaotic action scenes or montages were filmed with such great suspense and energy. The synth soundtrack was also really impressive, always fitting with the stage of the movie you were in, whether it was exciting or ominous.
All together, the stellar acting performances and ideal choices in direction and production made Scarface truly feel so intense and of a larger scale than other crime movies.
Scarface's plot is a pioneer of the rise-and-fall narrative, executed with such momentum, clarity, and thematic strength. The film successfully explores the corrupting themes of pride and greed, while sending the message that ambition can lead to isolation or self-destruction, both make this film an ultra-relevant watch. The film strongly depicts the dangers of power and money, showing the emptiness that they bring at the cost of losing morality, and the paranoia and obsession with control one can suffer from. The topic of loyalty is also challenged while the American Dream is savagely criticised.
Tony Montana makes himself one of the most memorable anti-heroes, he embodies raw ambition which, paired with his brutality, makes his rise believable and satisfying. His charisma coexisting with his impulsiveness creates a fascinatingly dangerous personality. His delusions later on feel like a natural result of his lifestyle, and his refusal to compromise his ego is the driving force of the story and its tension. Montana's character also has a surprising layer of complexity, this is shown by his protective obsession of his sister, which is disturbing but has depth, and when he acts as a moral hypocrite.
The movie's structure is also clear and escalates smoothly, as every act changes, Tony goes from an immigrant to a gangster to a kingpin to a tyrant. The major turning points like the chainsaw scene and the deal scene with Sosa are both amazing scenes, what the movie had to do well, and did, was build towards an inevitable collapse.
The final shootout scene is one of the most iconic endings ever in cinema, Tony's last stand perfectly represents his ego and refusal to surrender, and the scene's chaos visually reflects his complete mental collapse as well as his empire's collapse. The 2 appearances of the "The World Is Yours" sign is extremely powerful symbolism and messaging. Overall, the ending is shockingly good, delivering a clear payoff for the life Tony lived, completing his spectacular character arc, and bringing the inevitable climax of everything the film built.
Scarface is an outstanding warning about the consequences of excess and violence, depicting a generationally good character in Tony Montana, and making a legendary ending sequence. Because of a legacy-building and ferocious portrayal from Al Pacino, alongside transformative camera and sound work, this turned out to be an impactful, entertaining, and visceral 3 hours.
Overall Score: 8/10