Scarface (Film Review) part 1

Scarface

Part 1

Sam Barnett and Ryan McDermott

Scarface demands recognition as one of the greatest films of all time. Deservedly reaching cult status it has inspired some of the worlds most successful people including rapper Brad Jordon alias Scarface, Curtis Jackson, (50 cent), and alternative rock band P.O.D just to name a few. Although never reaching any critical success the film garnered popular acclaim and features on a great deal of peoples top ten favourite movie lists. Success should not come as a surprise due to the fact that legendary Acedemy Award winning film director Oliver Stone, (director of Platoon and Born on the Fourth of July) wrote the script and Brian De Palma, (Untouchables, Mission Impossible) directed.

Scarface starts off exploring the mass exodus of the Cuban Population in the early 1980's after the Cuban leader Fidel Castro granted them safe asylum in the US. Seemingly a point scored for the US, it was later found out that most of the people fleeing the country were in fact prisoners many with particularly violent records. The most popular place of Asylum was sunny Miami due to the already established Cuban community and large Spanish speaking population, (also the closest port to Cuba).

Que the main character of the film Tony Montanna, (played by Hollywood legend Al Pacino), a convicted fast talking thug with the ambition of a champion. His first impression on US officials was less than flattering subsequently being sent to, "Freedom Town" a refugee camp under the freeway in Miami. His partner in crime Manny Ribera, (Steven Bauer) met during Montanna Cuban army days. Manny can secure two green cards pending the assassination of an ex top Cuban official responsible for thousands of tortures. A great riot ensues and, "Freedom Town", is closed down for good.

With Montanna and Manny's imminent release they quickly find work at a burger joint dreaming of greener pastures. Soon after half a shifts work Tony and Manny quit in their usual care less style instead opting to partake in a high stakes drug deal with Colombians, (Tony's pet prejudice). Tony quickly finds his feet coolly responding to an attempted stick up for the cocaine and money, unfortunately resulting in the death of Tony's cousin. However the dope and money is recovered and Tony quickly moves up the ranks.

Tony is soon invited to Frank Lopez', (the boss) lavish house. Frank quickly takes a shine to Tony's bold sense of humour and his credibility as a street hardman. Tony although agreeing on Franks affable and gregarious nature labels him immediately as soft and predicts his imminent fall in the cocaine game. Tony instead takes a fancy to Franks wife Elivra played by Michelle Phiefer. His affection is not soon reciprocated and she comes off as cold and weathered.

Tony proceeds to his mothers house offering money, (to his mothers dismay), and a heated argument ensues forcing tony to exit leaving his bitter mother to stew in her juices. It is evident of Tony's success soon making bigger purchases and living a far more lavish lifestyle however his life of crime has only just begun.