Excessive and violent. The ultimate gangster picture.

Rating: 5/10 (20 March 2005)

Over the years I have found that it has become something of an off and on trend to bash this movie, mostly because of this movie's off and on popularity. I can understand why it is bashed too. People find it too abrasive and over the top, perhaps even mean spirited. These are valid criticisms of course. The first time I saw Scarface I was quite taken aback, but not in a good way. There are many movies that fit that description, yet people don't seem to linger on any of them, perhaps because none of them are anywhere near as popular as this particular movie. When a movie a minority of people doesn't like gains particular noteriety they have a tendency to resent it even more. I know this for a fact. I hate 'Titanic' with a fiery passion. A lot of people do. And all of these people - including myself - seem to find that it's their duty to tear the sh*t out of that movie. Does that make it a terrible picture? The fan-base sure doesn't illustrate that. In fact the fan-base completely debunks anything we have to say about it. It's the same with 'Scarface'. Why do people like it? I guess it all comes down to their inherit tastes. For some this movie is just too violent and vulgar, for others these factors don't even play into their approach to the movie. I think this movie has maintained it's popularity over the years mostly because of Al Pacino's performance. He created an iconic image for this sort of character that has been copied time and time again. It's not his best performance, but it still packs a hell of a punch. Sure the exposure on this film is ridiculous. I'm not fond of the idea of drinking coffee out of Tony Montana's head or in the case of my friends Scarface welcome mat, scraping mud off on his grizzled, cigar chomping face. What's next, 'Scarface' condoms? Imagine it: "Say hello to my little friend...c'mon woman stop gawking and help me out here". Is this movie worthy of all this marketing and merchandise that has been created in it's name? I'm not one to judge really, I'm writing this while sitting in my Cock-a-roches t-shirt. I have a hat that says "The World is Yours". Is this movie worthy of embossing it's way onto our collective chests and heads? Check it out in another ten our twenty years and we'll see. In the meantime here are seven reasons that I like the movie (be weary there may be spoilers):
#1) It's an excessive movie about excess. It's about how indulging in every vice that life has to offer, and how extreme the consequences can be. The scene where Montana dives into the mound of coke illustrates this perfectly. "Nothing exceeds like excess" - Michelle Pheifer as Elvira
#2) Structurally it's built in a very Shakespearean manner. The characters, especially Tony, are all on a collision course with one singular fate: Destruction. Everyone Tony meets with the exception of Elvira (the only one smart enough to get out while she still can) seems to meet their end directly or indirectly at his hands. In his own way Tony is a modern Macbeth. His own insecurities, paranoia and ambition lead to his downfall.
#3) It's so stylized. You argue that it looks like a TV movie with a big budget, but lets face it, everything in the 80's looked that way. The cinematography reflects the bright lights, bad music , bad hair, coke and boose nature of the decade.
#4) The dialogue is realistic. I've met people like this before. They do swear quite a great deal. They can't help it, it's part of the way they are brought up, it's part of their character. So in that way, it's part of Tony's character.
#5) Tony Montana is an unredeemable character. It is compelling to watch the course of his disgrace and destruction play out. He is so driven and amoral, brutal and unforgiving. Watching his story play out is the equivalent of watching a head on traffic collision. You can't look away no matter how hard you try. Suffice to say, it is a very entertaining traffic accident.
#6) The brutality. This is the staple of the movie. Argue you may that it is gratuitous and over the top, but the mere fact that you argue this proves that the film succeeds. The violence is in your face and extreme, there is no subtlety in it. The reason the violence is like this is because Oliver Stone and Brian De Palma were trying to open everyone's eyes to the pitfalls of this lifestyle. You may live big, but at the same time your going to die big. You'll go out with a bang, literally with a bang, with your blood and guts all over the wall.
#7) "The World Is Yours" This phrase repeats itself numerous times throughout Scarface. For me it asks a really important question: "How far are you willing to go?" Tony Montana was willing to go as far as possible, not caring what had to be sacrificed to accomplish his dreams, including himself and everyone he loved. Even his sister, the one pure thing in his life was taken from him. The one person who could possibly redeem him is swallowed by his greed. In the end Tony gains all, but loses everything.
It's not the greatest movie by any means, but it a definitive flick. I would give it an 8.5 out of ten.