Despite Being filled with misogyny and stereotypes, Scarface still captivates those fascinated by outlaws and the American Dream. Tony Montana, or Scarface, was one of the first major Latino film characters that people respected and feared.

What is so special about Scarface?

His nearly three-hour biography qualifies as tragedy, the story of a rage-choked cocaine addict with minimal self-control and a possible incest kink who methodically alienates everyone he's ever held dear until he is gruesomely murdered for his impulsivity and hubris.

Why did Scarface become so popular?

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.

Why do people think Scarface is good?

The fact so many people like "Scarface" is testament to the intensity of Pacino's performance more than the intelligence behind it. In the DVD documentary, Pacino readily admits to the character being two-dimensional. For some, that's great.

Why is Scarface my favorite movie?

The film is known for its powerful performances, intense action scenes, and memorable quotes. Al Pacino gives an unforgettable performance as Tony Montana, and his portrayal of a ruthless yet charismatic gangster has cemented his place as one of the greatest actors in film history.

How It All Went Wrong for Tony Montana

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.

How did Al Pacino feel about Scarface?

“The picture had a fire to it,” the actor said in Al Pacino: The Authorized Biography, by Lawrence Grobel. “It was probably the most popular picture I ever made, but the reaction to it was stranger than any of my other films. That picture did something to me. It was a lot of movie.

What is the deeper meaning of Scarface?

Scarface is about ambition in the wrong hands. It is the story of Tony Montana, a self-proclaimed political refugee who claws his way from the gutters of Castro's Cuba to conquer the American dream, but dreams can become nightmares, and men like Montana will always want more.

What is the main message in 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.

Why is Scarface controversial?

Critics were generally negative about Scarface when it was originally released; the film was noted for its violence and profanity. The New York Magazine called it an empty, bullying, overblown B-movie. Writers Kurt Vonnegut and John Irving both stated they walked out after the chainsaw scene.

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.

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.

Did Scarface age well?

To that batch of harmless, almost immediately obsolete movies, Thompson opposes one of the films of the early 1980s that have aged best, Scarface, with its chainsaw slaughter, its giant mounds of cocaine and Pacino's lost gaze as he insults left and right with a bizarre Cuban accent.

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.

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 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.

What true story is Scarface based on?

Scarface, starring Al Pacino, is a remake of a 1932 movie based on the 1929 novel by Armitage Trail, but the true story behind Tony Montana is still uncertain. Al Capone, the American gangster and boss of the Chicago Outfit, served as the real Scarface and inspired various books, movies, and TV shows.

What did the tattoo mean in Scarface?

When he arrives, he is questioned by U.S. officials and says that he is a "political prisoner". Tony claims that because he has an American father, he has the right to a green card. However, his request is denied because of a trident-style tattoo on his right hand, which indicates that he was an assassin in prison.

What lesson does Scarface teach?

Tony's power-hungry ambition ultimately cost him everything. As a young man, I idolized Tony for all the money and for his rapid rise to success. However, ultimately it wasn't worth it. Maybe the biggest lesson Tony gave is “yes” by all means make the money…just don't lose who your are in the process.

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 is Al Capone's nickname Scarface?

In a youthful scrape at the Harvard Inn, a young hoodlum named Frank Galluccio slashed Capone with a knife or razor across his left cheek after Capone made a crude comment to Galluccio's sister, prompting the later nickname “Scarface.” Capone later shot the winner of a neighbourhood craps game to death as he robbed him ...

What do Cubans think of Scarface?

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.

What did Al Capone think of the movie Scarface?

Al Capone was rumored to have liked the film so much that he had his own copy of it.

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.