Review of Scarface (1983) by Jhon E — 09 Oct 2012
I've seen the original "Scarface" by Howard Hawks and was not that impressed with it. Revisiting Brian De Palma's "Scarface" was a similar experience; I do prefer the more recent version because of Al Pacino.
De Palma's is a perfect example of an iconic character and actor overshadowing everything, there is really not much else the film offers nor is it supposed to. You simply want to see Al Pacino in every single shot, unless there is a nude woman.
The plot is easy to read, although it's reasonably well made with a few interesting, yet one-dimensional characters. On a technical level, I just admired the point-of-view close-up shots of Al Pacino, whenever he is enraged.
Al Pacino is glorious and over the top; he perfectly embodies Tony Montana, really one of the greatest actors delivering one of his best performances, and one of my all-time favorites. Aside from Pacino, "Scarface" itself is quite ordinary; there are no coarse negatives or any dazzling positives; entertaining, nevertheless.
I would not want to see it again.
This review of Scarface (1983) was written by Jhon E on 09 Oct 2012.
Scarface has generally received very positive reviews.
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