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CibbuanoScarface
June 28th 2006 08:43
Scarface (1983)
There's a certain level of notoriety that accompanies the 80s version of 'Scarface'. Whether it's remembered for Al Pacino's performance, the excessive use of the word 'fuck', oft-quoted dialogue about the ‘badguy’ and getting ‘the power’, or unprecedented levels of violence in a mainstream film, 'Scarface' (1983) is definitely a one-of-a-kind.
A loose remake of the 1930s film of the same name, 'Scarface' follows the rise of Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Pacino) to Miami-based millionaire druglord, and his subsequent downfall. Never has a tagline for a film seemed more appropriate to me; 'He loved the American dream. With a vengeance'. If Brian De Palma should only be remembered for directing one film (which would be a crime in itself) than it should be this one.
Eschewing the dark and noir-ish undertones of other gangster films, De Palma embraced the 80s and made his entry in the genre a gaudy, pastel-coloured affair; resplendent with palm trees, white suits and crumbling beach apartments. It's an original vision, a world apart from the mafia, and it benefits immensely as a result.
One can't review this film without mentioning Pacino. This is probably his greatest performance; forget his Oscar-winning 'Scent of a Woman', this is Pacino keeping it real. The accent is flawless, and Tony Montana's confidence and assertion is a sight to behold. He's not an intelligent or charming character, but nonetheless holds a charisma all of his own. The supporting performances are satisfactory and mostly inconsequential - Pacino owns this film, his character is the film.
As I mentioned before, it's a unique view of a genre than can become very tired. Accompanied by a great score, and intelligent and memorable direction, 'Scarface' is unrelenting in it's own destructive passion - much like it's lead character.
Yo guyz we are gonna party!
HIGHLIGHTS: The infamous 'drug-deal' scene around the half-hour mark. It made me feel sick, but it's certainly memorable, and establishes the distance that the film is willing to go.
TRIVIA Written by Oliver Stone, who did extensive and harrowing research with the Miami drug-squad in preparation.
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Comment by Cibbuano
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And it's not a great gangster movie, but the chainsaw scene is intense.
It's a gritty, gritty movie...
Comment by Luke
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Comment by Cibbuano
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I didn't think it was half as good as Goodfellas!
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