Unmasking the Enigmatic Finale of Scarface

Highlights

Scarface remains a controversial and iconic piece of American cinema, known for its graphic nature and portrayal of the illicit drug trade.

The film delves into the concept of the American dream and the repercussions of relentlessly pursuing wealth and power. Scarface has had a profound impact on different media genres, such as music, video games, and comic books, and remains an influential reference for filmmakers and artists.

Al Pacino, a legendary American talent with a career spanning decades and multiple blockbuster hits, has portrayed a diverse range of characters. From Michael Corleone in The Godfather to Luitenant Vincent Hanna in Heat, Pacino has masterfully portrayed both sides of the law. However, it is his unforgettable performance as the ruthless gangster Tony Montana in Brian De Palma's Scarface that lingers in the minds of most fans. Despite being a remake of a 1930s film of the same name, Scarface managed to establish its own unique identity, captivating audiences for years to come.

During its production, Scarface stirred significant controversy due to its explicit and graphic content. Critics accused the film of glamorizing drugs and violence, causing it to initially receive an "X" rating. It was only after De Palma appealed to the Motion Picture Association of America that the film's rating was revised. Notably, the infamous chainsaw scene in the shower prompted viewers to shield their eyes. Nevertheless, Scarface has endured as a cultural phenomenon, solidifying its status as an iconic piece of Americana. Moreover, it served as a launching pad for the successful careers of Michelle Pfeiffer and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

What is Scarface About?

Scarface is a story that encapsulates the American dream, as well as the dark underbelly of the 1980s illicit drug trade, addiction, and the consequences of excessive ambition. The protagonist, Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who settles in Miami, quickly climbs the ladder of a criminal empire. Displaying his determination from the start, Tony cunningly outwits a pair of US federal agents during an interrogation. Despite having just one friend and a sense of anonymity, Tony desires more than his lowly position as a dishwasher.

In Tony's mind, he sees two paths ahead: toil away as a dishwasher, working hard with hopes of upward mobility but settling for meager wages, or delve into the illicit drug trade of South Florida, where he believes he can achieve his desires with half the effort and in less time. Given his lack of principles, the latter choice appears effortless to Tony. Driven by his craving for luxury cars, a lavish home, and a stunning wife, he pursues this path by burning bridges along the way. Ignoring the guidance of his superiors, he establishes himself as a go-getter, impressing the higher-ups. However, as Tony ascends to the highest position of power, he discovers that the reality of being the ultimate boss falls short of his expectations.

Tony ultimately attains everything he desires, reminiscent of Al Capone's style. Unluckily, Tony finds himself incriminated by the authorities for tax evasion. Consequently, he strikes a deal with the devil, entailing an endeavor to assassinate someone. This leads Tony to distance himself from everyone around him. To clarify, he alienates his wife, and tragically, he takes the life of his best friend as he discovered his illicit affair with his sister. By the conclusion of the film, Tony is compelled to protect himself within the confines of his own home, as he faces the goons sent by his boss after reneging on the agreed assassination plot.

What is the Legacy of Scarface?

Scarface, a timeless classic, has achieved iconic status in cinema. It has left an indelible mark on popular culture, permeating numerous songs, television shows, films, and video games. Countless filmmakers credit Scarface as a major source of inspiration for their own creations. The far-reaching impact and popularity of the movie even prompted renowned comic book publishers Dark Horse and IDW to produce Scarface comics.

The rise of hip hop during the production of the movie had a significant influence on notable artists in the genre like Nas and Future. In fact, Future even released a song titled "Tony Montana," which eventually became a hit, paying homage to Al Pacino's iconic role. The impact of "Scarface" is also evident in the video game industry, with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City featuring a replica of Tony Montana's residence and incorporating elements of the movie's storyline.

How Does Scarface End?

To avert imprisonment, Tony Montana strikes a deal with drug kingpin Alejandro Sosa. The arrangement entails assassinating an activist who threatens to expose Sosa's entire operation. Accompanied by "Shadow," Sosa's seasoned assassin, Tony journeys to New York City. Sosa discreetly plants a bomb underneath the activist's car, planning to detonate it when the man reaches his destination. However, Tony's conscience is pricked when he notices the presence of the man's wife and child in the vehicle. Tony wrestles with conflicting emotions as he contemplates Sosa's offer: complying means avoiding prison, but it also signifies his direct responsibility for the murder of an innocent child and wife, a prospect that troubles him deeply.

Tony Montana, although possibly a drug lord, refused to take part in the killing of innocent children. He immediately put an end to the assassination attempt by shooting Shadow in the head. However, this act led to the exposure of Sosa's criminal operation, making Tony a target on Sosa's new hit list. Returning to his home in Miami, Tony prepares himself for Sosa's enforcers by using his own product and getting high.

Unlike typical movie protagonists, Tony Montana remained steadfast in his character throughout the entire story, and this was intentional. He was a person who never accepted defeat and always did things his own way. He had a strong sense of pride, which ultimately led to his downfall. After eliminating some of Sosa's men with his powerful weapon - an M16 equipped with an under-barrel grenade launcher - Tony's confidence soared. He believed he was invincible and untouchable. This unfounded arrogance led him to taunt the assassins below from his office balcony without realizing that another assassin was silently aiming a double-barrel shotgun at his head from behind.

The movie concludes with Tony's lifeless body drifting in the pool, beside a globe bearing the inscription "The World is Yours." This poignant symbol captures the irony of his situation - despite his lack of personal growth, Tony failed to realize that by humbling himself and addressing his ego, he could have retained his wife, friend, sister, and even his mother.