The World is Yours

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2006)

In Scarface, director Brian De Palma's explosive portrait of a Cuban immigrant turned drug lord, 1983 audiences were treated to an unexpected change of viewpoints. The focus of this near 3 hour film was detailing the rise and fall of a drug dealer - who wasn't portrayed in a strictly negative fashion. Although common in films today to have an antagonistic figure as the protagonist, it must have been truly shocking for it's time - that we as an audience are expected to, at parts sympathize with or even feel sorry for a man of said profession. And although certain aspects of the movie have admittably dated (the early hip hop soundtrack in particular screams of the 80s, but as a whole this doesn't detract from the mood of the film as much as is often complained) the simple storyline of uncontrollable greed and ambition and their consequences is still as easily recognizable and identifiable as it was when first released.
But Scarface isn't one of those controversial movies which only become famous due to their controversial nature - it is a truly compelling portrait of a man who went from having nothing to having virtually everything he ever desired, fueled only by his relentless ambition. And though the film does toe the line of running too long to the point of getting tedious, it remains entertaining enough despite its predictable and not terribly original storyline. This is mainly due to the casting of Al Pacino in this iconic, career defining role. Pacino brings Tony Montana to life in a way no other actor ever could have, and easily elevates the film to its classic status. He is present in almost every scene, and his fiery intensity keeps the film captivating for every second he is on screen.
And although this really is Pacino's movie, he is ably backed by a strong supporting cast. Steven Bauer is charming and easily likable as Manny, Montana's only true friend during his rise to power. Michelle Pfeiffer is stunningly beautiful and tremendously effective as Montana's trophy wife with no real life of her own. Her performance has been criticized as being dull, but she is ultimately playing a dull character, and is therefore only playing the part. (she also comes very much alive near the end, during frustrated fights with Montana) Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio also turns out a strong performance as Montana's rebellious younger sister. Robert Loggia plays the character of the now ridiculously stereotypical drug lord well, if not in a particularly original fashion. And F. Murray Abraham comes off as wonderfully dislikable as Montana's distrusting rival during his rise to power.
Scarface may not come across as quite as intense and controversial as it did back in 1983, but the power of its storyline still holds true today. It's true that De Palma certainly didn't skimp on the blood or swearing, and the subject matter of Montana's profession is never held back from the audience, but it is ultimately Pacino who brings the film to life, and makes it so incredibly watchable, even today. It is really his movie, and his fiery intensity guarantees that even when pushing three hours, Scarface never fails to be interesting.
-9/10