review by Michael Mackenzie Pro
Scarface 1983
Watched Jul 07, 2012
Michael Mackenzie’s review:
I prefer CARLITO'S WAY - a minority opinion, and possibly influenced by the fact that I watched it first and SCARFACE second, but there it is. Al Pacino's performance is exceptional - you really do forget you're watching an actor, such is the extent to which he BECOMES Tony Montana, and the usual De Palma set-pieces are very much in evidence. However, for a fairly lengthy stretch of the film - between the infamous chainsaw scene and the nightclub assassination attempt - I must admit the film began to drag and I was in danger of losing interest. So yep, good film - possibly great, even - but CARLITO'S WAY, with its more focused narrative and more intriguing protagonist, gets my vote.
I prefer Carlito's Way too, but I still love this film as well.
I'm firmly in the CARLITO'S WAY camp. My favourite Sean Penn performance - unrecognisable in fact.
That last comment was from me. Hadn't realised I was logged into the wife's account, lol!
Hmm, for me there's hardly a sheet of bronco in it. I love the excess of Scarface; the money money money, the twisted American Dream, pimps and whores, mountains of coke and the sun drenched Miami locales, it's easy to see why the hip hop generation have given it iconic status. But you're far more on the side of Carlito - at least you are if you're morally more righteous!