As a child of the ’80s, I can confidently say that Scarface is the coolest gangster movie ever made. The excess, the charisma, and the tragic downfall of Tony Montana have left an indelible mark on me. Growing up in a time when big hair, shoulder pads, and synthesizer music were all the rage, watching Scarface felt like living a fantasy.
If someone were to snap their fingers and ask, “What is the first gangster movie that pops into your head?”, it’s likely that several people would mention either one of Francis Ford Coppola’s top films from the Godfather series or one of Martin Scorsese’s finest works, Goodfellas.
In the 90s, if you were a fan of hip hop music (as I was), your response would probably be “Scarface”, a crime drama directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino. This film is widely regarded as one of the best remakes ever made.
Lately, I’ve been catching up with it again because it’s available on Netflix right now. Let me share my thoughts. This show still delivers the same level of awesomeness that made it so popular before. Here’s what makes it stand out.
It’s A Different Kind Of Immigrant Story
Among the courses I cherished in college was a film analysis class focusing on American westerns and gangster movies. Initially, I found this combination unusual, but my professor skillfully demonstrated that these two genres often explored themes of transformation, especially in many iconic films from each category.
In western movies, the theme revolves around advancement and leaving traditional methods behind, symbolized by railway construction.
In this class, I was fortunate enough to catch some outstanding western films and a plethora of terrific gangster flicks. However, one iconic gangster movie that didn’t make it to our syllabus was the 1983 masterpiece “Scarface.” Instead, we delved into the 1932 Howard Hughes original. When I inquired about why the 1983 film wasn’t included, he casually replied, “Well, everyone’s likely watched that one already.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that he’s not entirely off-base with his observations. Yet, I believe he overlooked an intriguing angle to discuss. Specifically, the 1983 film “Scarface” presents a distinctive immigrant narrative that deviates from our usual portrayals of Italian immigrants. In this version of “Scarface,” Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, is a Cuban refugee instead.
In the movie, Montana has just arrived in Miami from abroad, essentially a newcomer straight out of the boat. He winds up in a refugee center, but his past as a criminal comes back to haunt him when he’s given a green card on condition that he kills one of Fidel Castro’s associates. This sets him on a path towards power in the underworld. It’s an unconventional take on the immigrant narrative, and it serves as an intriguing counterpart to the 1932 original.
Tony Montana Relishes Being The Bad Guy
One aspect I admire about the movie “Scarface” – and possibly why it resonated with rappers in the ’90s – is that Tony Montana embraces his role as a villain. Unlike characters like Don Corleone, who view power (and family) as supreme, Tony Montana takes extreme actions, such as killing his best friend in a fit of anger when he discovers him with his sister.
He’s not one for quiet dealings either; quite ironic given Al Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone in the Godfather trilogy, who managed to make connections and legitimize his business in a manner that permitted him to conduct it discreetly. However, Tony Montana is far from that subtle approach.
Tony typically dresses in a white suit and red shirt, projecting an air of confidence as if he’s inviting admiration with his appearance. He’s the type of individual who ironically refers to himself as a “bad guy.” One memorable line from the film touches upon this very notion.
I’m always honest, even when I’m not being truthful. In other words, I never fail to tell the truth, even when I’m lying. So, it’s time to bid farewell to the villain. Let me remind you, this is a rare opportunity to see such a wicked character. Make room for him. The villain is on his way! It would be wise to step aside.
And, that pretty much sums Tony up right there. Montana doesn’t hide behind a desk. He goes out to fancy clubs and grabs his wife by the hair in public. He is totally unfiltered, and a true antagonist. Tony Soprano, eat your heart out.
The Film Is Just Dripping In The ’80s, Which Is One Of The Coolest Decades
Back in the day, I found myself utterly captivated by one gem of a video game – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. One major factor behind this game’s timeless appeal lies in its unapologetic embrace of the ’80s vibe.
Although Grand Theft Auto: Vice City embraces the ’80s (being a 2002 game), Scarface truly embodies this era. That’s why Scarface is unquestionably one of the top films from the ’80s, and indeed one of the best movies ever made. It soaks up that decade in a profound way.
From the music, to the can-do attitude, to the sunny outlook toward the future, Scarface is 1983 top to bottom. And, this is important, since the time period of a gangster movie is almost like a character in itself.
Consider the movie “The Godfather Part II.” The narrative unfolds in two different timeframes, each unique from the other. In 1958, we follow Michael’s tale, while the story of a young Vito is set in the early 1900s.
This aspect is significantly thematic, as young Vito arrives in America at a tender age, which is also where he adopts the Corleone surname. The narrative showcases the hardships endured by Italian immigrants trying to make ends meet. Consequently, observing Michael during the 1950s offers insight into his progress and the transformation of the setting parallel to him.
In much the same vein as “Scarface”, the extravagance of the ’80s is palpable in Tony Montana. Sitting atop a mound of cocaine on his desk, you can almost feel the essence of that era. What an exhilarating time to exist!
Tony’s Rise And Fall Is One For The Ages
It’s clear that Tony Montana isn’t portrayed as a hero; his actions and character make that evident from the start. Given the trajectory of his story, it’s easy to predict that things won’t have a happy ending for him.
Despite his questionable moral character, there’s something about him that draws you in. For instance, when someone suggests harming a journalist along with their family, Tony firmly objects, saying “No wife, no kids,” indicating a strong ethical stance.
Clearly, it’s evident that this character possesses a code. At the heart of the film, Tony finds himself thriving as he constructs his domain. To put it simply, even the blimp proclaims, “The World is Yours,” which is not only the title of the underrated Scarface video game but also a reflection of Tony’s situation.
But the situation starts deteriorating from then onwards. Tony ends up treading on people’s feelings unintentionally, and he begins to act arrogantly, which is what my mother often refers to as being “too big for one’s boots.
Additionally, he finds himself helplessly ensnared by a cocaine addiction, causing him to become so disoriented that he can hardly comprehend events as they unfold, such as the tragic instance when his sister is fatally shot. By the way…
The Final Shootout Is One Of The Most Memorable In Film History
In the past, I owned a DVD collection from Costco that featured the most thrilling action sequences. These scenes were sourced from some of the greatest action films ever made.
Indeed, you likely considered some popular choices such as Rumble in the Bronx, The Matrix, and Hard Boiled. However, it also featured the climactic gunfight from Scarface, and I must admit, this raises a question: Is Scarface now considered an action movie?
It might seem unexpected, but the epic shootout at the end is such a renowned event that it appears fittingly included in that ranking.
The events unfold as a horde of assassins invades Montana’s mansion. His sister arrives to avenge the death of her husband, who was once Montana’s closest friend, only to be wounded herself. In response, Tony arms himself and prepares for a battle – oh, what a dramatic spectacle it becomes.
In simpler terms, Tony is shooting people all over the place and since he’s under the influence of cocaine, he takes a lot of gunfire but still stands at the top of the stairs shouting loudly. Eventually, he is shot from behind and killed. This scene always remains exciting.
Clearly, Scarface stands out as the ultimate gangster film, and if you’re a fan of this genre, don’t forget to drop by regularly for updates on other great gangster movies!
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2024-11-27 13:07