The eyes never lie

Rating: 8/10 (21 September 2003)

Greetings again from the darkness. Had not seen this since its theatrical release in 1983. Now 20 years later, I couldn't resist the theatrical re-release. Bigger screen and better sound only enhance the experience of Pacino's most dynamic screen performance. 20 years ago I found this to be a frightening film - almost overwhelming. The periodic laughter from the audience was the telling sign of how times have changed. We have become numb to the violence and drug abuse. However, PLEASE note, this is NOT A MOVIE FOR KIDS. There were at least 6 kids under 10 years old in the theatre. Yes, times have changed, but not that much! Michelle Pfeiffer's performance looks even better now as the lonely ice queen of the drug lords. Watching Stephen Bauer reminds me that I predicted stardoom for him 20 years ago. Oh well, can't always be right. Oliver Stone's screenplay is excellent and for the most part, this is DePalma's best direction. However, in usual DePalma fashion, he goes over the top every time he wants to emphasize Pacino's anger. The close-ups of the eyes and the increased volume would be necessary for a lessor actor, but not Pacino in his prime. Overall, the film captures the gluttony and larceny and desperation and danger of the drug underworld. Maybe the players have changed in 20 years, but it remains a problem. This film has turned into a very entertaining (yet violent) expose on drug traffiking.