Cult gangster films have a loyal following and none more so than 1983’s Scarface the movie. Famous quotes from the film are often heard and the film poster image became one of the most memorable in recent film history. The movie was directed by Brian De Palma with Al Pacino as the lead, supported by an impressive cast. Well known director Oliver Stone supplied the screenplay.
The film is a loose remake of the 1932 original with a contemporary presentation of graphic violence and swearing for 1980s audiences. It is a stylish look at the murky world of modern criminals and gangs. Pacino gives one of his finest performances as Tony Montana, a Cuban 'migr? who comes to America to make a new life. The scar on his face gives him his nickname and the film title of Scarface the movie.
Along with best friend Manny Ray, played by Steven Bauer, Montana forms a huge drug dealing racket in Miami, dealing in the international trade of cocaine. The love interest is provided by Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock. Pacino and Pfeiffer would team up again in 1991, in the romantic comedy Frankie and Johnny. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays sister Gina Montana and other parts are played by Robert Loggia and F.Murray Abraham. Not to give too much away, the ending of Scarface the movie is one of the most violent in cinema history.
This is a film, liked by the public and recognized by the film community too. Scarface the movie received three nominations for the prestigious Golden Globes Awards. Al Pacino was nominated for Best Actor and Steven Bauer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The third nomination went to Giorgio Moroder for his atmospheric film score. Moroder is a successful film composer and record producer, whose other movie scores include Midnight Express, American Giglolo and Flashdance. His score for Scarface the movie achieved more popularity when it was used in the video game, Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001 for Play station 2 and X Box.
A Platinum Edition DVD is available for the film. It contains two discs and the audio has been digitally restored. There are bonus features that include deleted scenes and a making of the movie documentary. The DVD also contains a video game. The latest computer game is available in X Box, PC, PS2 and WII formats. Titled Scarface: The World Is Yours, the story is updated from where the movie left off and is an indispensable item for devotees of Scarface.
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