The Rise and Fall Of A Crackhead Gangster

Rating: Null/10 (5 March 2010)

De Palma's 'Scarface' stands out as a landmark film in the history of pop culture. Similarly, Tony Montana is a landmark character. The story pretty much follows the rise and fall of a Cuban gangster, his greed and thirst for power and wealth. De Palma gives it a very over-the-top feel. The execution is sometimes sloppy but the ending is an example of superb filming (with great editing, cinematography, lighting and sound effect). Like a majority of the films of the 80s, 'Scarface' is a 'loud' movie that is funny and intense. Oliver Stone's solid screenplay is full of sharp dialogues. The characters are well written and even though hardly any one of them are likable, the viewer is engaged and interested to know what fate has prepared for them. Al Pacino's Tony Montana is unintentionally funny most of the time. The accent always made me laugh. At points, the character is so irritating that one wonders why his goons haven't killed him yet. Elvira's frustration is completely understandable in that regard. Yet, it is Pacino who makes this a memorable character. Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer are very competent and they shine in their parts. Over the years, 'Scarface' has earned an iconic reputation and whether you like it or not, it is worth a watch to see the kind of influence it has had on current pop culture.