Brian De Palma's SCARFACE...

Rating: Null/10 (29 August 2011)

I first saw this movie way back in 1984(on video, then on a re-release in 85). At the time I took it to be an OTT representation of the violence that stems from the drugs scene in the USA. As a Brit-i have often seen American obsessions become UK obsessions--drugs, and the gang violence are now a popular export from the USA.
Tony Montana's rapid rise and equally rapid fall are two reasons to watch Scarface--coupled with De Palma's superb direction, and his feel for the sleazy/gaudy Miami of the early 1980s, working with Oliver Stone's searing script--this remains a brutal-and often nasty movie, Tony has few redeeming features, and his aware of his own infallibility, but he is prepared to be the best "Doper on the Block". Al Pacino in a career defining role--only surpassed three times since in my opinion.
Beautifully lit by John Alonzo whom often had to trick the audience, they were in Miami, rather than L.A((Due to been asked to leave Miami and film elsewhere), a terrific supporting cast:Michelle Phiffer in her breakthrough role, the late Paul Shenar as Alex the drugs kingpin. Robert Loggia as Tony's initial backer, F.Murray Abraham as the conniving Omar, Steven Bauer as Manny, Tony best friend...
A still remarkable and blunt movie...