Brian De Palma's Finest Work As A Director.

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2014)

"Scarface" is probably the finest contemporary gangster movie of it's time. It's relevance continues to bombard today through it's imagery, and the story has gone on to influence many musician's of the "Def Jam Records" label. Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay, Brian De Palma directs and Al Pacino shines in this rag's to rich's story. Based on the original 1932 classic "Scarface: The Shame of the Nation".
In 1980, Cuban Refugee Tony Montana (Al Pachino) arrives in Miami. After working various low cuff jobs, the short tempered Tony immediately throws himself into the underworld of the Miami drug trade. His initial outcomes are disastrous, yet end with considerable results. Eventually like anyone in that line of work, a hit is put out on him. After wrapping up that nuisance he slowly ascends the ladder from street level dealer, to running a multi-million dollar drug empire. After he eventually manages to isolate himself from everyone (Even his closest friends and family), fellow drug lord Sosa (Paul Shenar) sends his men to Tony's mansion, culminating in a stunning finale of a shootout.
Sounds a little like "Citizen Kane" to me, minus the cocaine and guns. Every time I watch the movie, I fall a little more in love with it. It captures the intensity of the drug trade, and the montages are undeniably a staple of many imitations. Tony Montana is certainly one of the best mobsters ever put on film. Regardless how unlikable he becomes, Al Pacino delivers a very engaging performance that sees an individual go up and down a ladder that depending on your sensibilities, isn't really worth climbing. The only negative I think it has is it's running length. For as many scenes they have (Which are fantastic), some just do not hold up to the pacing the movie set itself and feel needlessly drawn out.
Final Verdict: When all is said and done, it's just very unforgettable. The night club, torture and shoot out scenes make for very intensive, but highly influential stuff. 9/10.