Scarface (1983)

 

Say hello to an excellent piece of cinema. You could call it a little friend, but that would be woefully understating the importance of this work by Brian De Palma. There are a few quintessential gangster/bad guy-films out there and this is one of those.

It's also a complete mystery how people can idolise the character of Tony Montana as he is an absolute prick throughout, but humans are weird, yo. 

Tony Montana is a Cuban immigrant who is actually a small time crook with big plans to make it in the world, no matter what. He soon gets his chance as runner for a drugboss named Frank Lopez. But Frank is rather old school and way more conservative in his dealings and Tony wants everything as soon as possible. It gets even rougher when Tony decides he wants Elvira, Frank's squeeze. 

Not because he genuinely loves her, mind you. She, like everything in Tony's life, is a symbol of status. A prize to show off, if you will.

Yes, very nice guy, that Montana.

Eventually, Frank orders a hit on Tony that misfires, so Tony gets even and now is well on his way to building the coke empire he has been dreaming about for so long. But do all the money, fame and fortune bring him peace of mind? 

Heck no.

Tony becomes more and more paranoid and when he is in a pinch for laundering money, he has to take down an opponent of his supplier. He refuses and in a rapidly escalating downward spiral kills his best friend and - if not directly himself - his little sister. And when his mansion's under siege by a hit squad sent by the guy he screwed over, he makes a last stand amidst gunsmoke and cocaine clouds. 

This film rocks. It's a story about a total douche and his rise and decline, but told in that gritty De Palma-style that is sorely missed nowadays. Try counting the expletives, I dare you. But as always, this stands or falls with the performances. There is little doubt that this one together with Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather' is an absolute standout in the career of Al Pacino. It's Pacino's flair that makes Tony bearable, because a lesser actor would make us recline in revile. It's Pacino that makes arsehat Montana engaging to watch. Michelle Pfeiffer is also very good as Elvira and most of the supporting cast fits the bill. 

Not to mention that the 80s synth music not only makes this a clear product of its time (which is the idea) but also gives the whole an eerie quality. You will constantly feel uneasy and under pressure, a bit like Tony Montana himself, maybe. 

Can't forget that this one is also insanely quotable. Heck, most of the expressions have made it into the vernacular. And this is one of those films where the bad guy steals the show. Just don't idolise the guy. People that do have clearly either not seen this film or have missed the mark completely.