Classic 80s Movie: “Scarface”
Today’s Classic 80s Movie guest post comes from Adam Scott Thompson.
Movie Title: Scarface
Year: 1983
Writers: Oliver Stone, based on Ben Hecht’s script for “Scarface” (1932) which was adapted from a 1929 novel of the same name by Armitage Trail
Lead Actors: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Director: Brian De Palma
Plot Summary: In 1980 Miami, a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel while succumbing to greed.
Why I Think This is a Classic 80s Movie: It’s neck-deep in 80s excess. Piles of money. A mansion with a pet tiger. Ridiculous suits. Powdered noses everywhere. Oh, and that “little friend.” Giorgio Moroder’s “Push it to the Limit” became the narco-wannabe’s “Gonna Fly Now.” A nightmare wrapped in the American Dream.
My Favorite Moment in the Movie: If I were asked for a single scene or image to explain the gist of “Scarface” to one of the uninitiated, it would be the scene where a dejected yet defiant Tony attempts to snort an entire ski slope of yeyo.
My Favorite Dialogue in the Movie: “I’m Tony Montana! You fuck with me, you fuckin’ with the best!”
Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie: Besides the chainsaw? De Palma’s auteur style, including those 360-degree pans and long tracking shots, lends itself to what is almost a mashup of the crime, thriller and horror genres.
Although Pacino chews up the scenery with one of his yell-ier performances, this film is elevated by its top supporting talent (see F. Murray Abraham as Omar) and budding stars (Michelle Pfieffer’s Elvira symbolizes the “white girl,” cocaine, which enthralls Tony).
If you can, watch it along with the 1932 Howard Hawks original starring the great Paul Muni as Tony Camonte. The two versions are very similar, which says a lot about how the Me Decade echoed the Roaring Twenties.
Thanks, Adam! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!
Tomorrow: Another Classic 80s Movie!
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