Scarface is an unashamed 170-minute commercial for over-indulgence. Audiences, particularly in communities of color, are attracted to it because of Tony's excess and the unfiltered joy he takes in getting even with his enemies.

What's special about Scarface?

Al Pacino gives his first of many truly over-the-top performances with gusto in Scarface. This film's reputation stands up there with Pulp Fiction (1994) as a "must see" for hip teens (especially males) who love their violence spiked with copious amounts of darkly humorous dialogue ("Say hello to my little friend.").

Why is Tony Montana popular?

Played by Al Pacino, Tony Montana's rise to success through the Cuban-American drug trade and the mob grabbed public attention and made the character a symbol of crime and corruption, as well as the struggle for success. Pacino was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for the role.

What's the point of the movie Scarface?

The movie explores the American dream and the consequences of pursuing wealth and power at all costs. Scarface has left a significant legacy, influencing various forms of media, from music and video games to comic books, and continues to be referenced and admired by filmmakers and artists.

Was Scarface popular when it came out?

Scarface premiered in New York City on December 1, 1983, and was released on December 9 by Universal Pictures. The film grossed $45 million at the domestic box office and $66 million worldwide. Initial critical response was negative due to its excessive violence, profanity, and graphic drug usage.

Scarface Is One Of The BEST Films Of All Time & It's A Remake!

Why was Scarface banned in the US?

Summary. Gangster movies, like the original Scarface from 1932, often faced censorship and bans due to their violent content and portrayal of mafia life. Censors believed that Scarface glorified violence, leading to changes in the film's ending and the addition of a prologue condemning gangsters.

Who turned down the role of Scarface?

Robert De Niro did not want to star in it and John Travolta rejected the role of Manny, the right-hand-man of the main character, Tony Montana. Sidney Lumet resigned from directing it and predicted a flop of biblical proportions.

Why was Scarface controversial?

At the time of its premiere, some believed it portrayed Cubans, particularly those who fled during the Mariel boatlift to the United States in 1980, in a harsh light. That view persists today, decades later. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who is of Cuban heritage, said Scarface misrepresented the Cuban community.

How much did Al Pacino get paid for Scarface?

We do know that co-star Keanu Reeves famously took a pay cut of a few million in order to allow for the production to afford to bring Pacino on board. As a result, we imagine Pacino was most likely paid around $10 million for his role.

Was Scarface based on a true story?

What's surprising, though, is the discovery that Scarface's Tony Montana isn't based on the life of any modern-day nose candy overlord at all. No, Tony Montana is patterned after notorious 1920s and '30s racketeer, pimp, and bootlegging crime czar Al Capone.

Was Tony in love with Gina?

At the end of the film Gina herself suggests Tony must indeed want her because he can't stand for another man to be with her. Tony has a genuine look of confusion on his face and even asks what she's talking about. Therefore he likely did not have sexual feelings towards her.

What was Tony Montana's famous quote?

Tony Montana: “I always tell the truth.

Even when I lie.”

What was Tony Montana's downfall?

Tony's incestuous protectiveness speeds his downfall. He murders Manny as a punishment. Gina is shot by Sosa's men. Montana loses the two most important people in his life, and his inability to control his lusts destroy them all.

Who was Scarface in love with?

Elvira Hancock is a fictional character in the 1983 American crime drama film Scarface, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. This proved to be her breakthrough role. She is the mistress of Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia) and after his death, becomes the wife of Tony Montana (Al Pacino). Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

Was Scarface good or bad?

Critics Reviews

Other than an unflinching, intense and extraordinary performance from Al Pacino as the Cuban-born gangster Tony Montana, this gruesome offering has little to recommend.

What is the most important scene in Scarface?

Final Stand. Undoubtedly, the most iconic scene in the entire movie is Tony's final stand. After failing to carry out the assassination for Sosa, Tony's mansion is attacked by a hit squad. After his sister is killed, a cocaine-fuelled Tony becomes a one-man army against his attackers.

Why was Scarface 2 cancelled?

According to the source, the primary reason for Scarface: Empire getting axed in 2008 was too many other open-world games in development at Activision at that time. "It was pretty devastating to lose over two years of effort on what would have been a pretty cool game," a former Radical developer said.

What is Al Pacino's most famous movie?

The Godfather (1972)

Critics Consensus: One of Hollywood's greatest critical and commercial successes, The Godfather gets everything right; not only did the movie transcend expectations, it established new benchmarks for American cinema.

Did Scarface win an Oscar?

De Palma's Scarface eventually became a cult classic but took a while to get there; it didn't receive any Oscar nominations though it did score a Razzie for De Palma for directing.

Was Scarface a flop?

“Scarface,” which opened Dec. 9, 1983, made money at the box office but wasn't immediately profitable. However, in the 36 years since, the film has been embraced as a classic. The project started as a 1930 pulp novel by Armitage Trail, inspired by gangster Al Capone, whose nickname was Scarface.

What states is Scarface banned in?

Scarface was released in theaters on April 9, 1932. Hughes planned a grand premiere in New York, but New York censor boards rejected the showing of the film. State censorship boards in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, and Kansas and citywide censorship boards in Detroit, Seattle, Portland, and Chicago banned the film as well.

How old was Tony Montana in Scarface?

How old was Al Pacino in Scarface? The character of Tony Montana was written to be in his early to mid 30s. Al Pacino, the actor, was 42-43 when the movie was filmed and it premiered.

How rich was Tony Montana?

Coming from Cuba to Miami as a refugee, ex-convict Tony Montana used his greed, desire, and ambition to build an empire that is estimated at $900 million.

Who killed Tony in Scarface?

But Silva truly made his film mark as the silent assassin known as "The Skull" in 1983's "Scarface." As Pacino's cocaine-filled drug lord Tony Montana rages at an army of would-be killers filling his body with bullets, "The Skull" wordlessly walks behind Montana and shoots him in the back with a shotgun.

Is Tony Montana Cuban or Italian?

In contrast to Guarino and Camonte, who were Italian immigrants, Montana is a Cuban immigrant. According to Oliver Stone, Tony's last name was inspired by then-NFL quarterback Joe Montana, Stone's favorite player. A prequel novel, Scarface: The Beginning, written by L. A. Banks, was published in 2006.