Formulaic Tragedy

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2004)

As a formulaic tragedy, Scarface manages to do quite a good job at making the viewer feel sympathy for the protagonist. Viewers will gain an insight into police corruption, an issue that has gained media attention in Melbourne lately with greater exposure of Gangland killings. Is an honorable drug lord who values the lives of children more virtuous than those who follow the law yet exploit others? The climax of Scarface resembles the apotheosis of violence witnessed in Taxi Driver. Beyond the superficialities, Taxi Driver and Scarface have much in common. Al Pacino's acting is excellent. The film focuses on Pacino's character to the point where other characters become meaningless. The ending, although satisfying, seems to suffer from a touch of contrived nihilism. Otherwise, Scarface is a great movie.
10/10