Reflection on Scarface(1983) - 2.20.20

As the article discusses, Al Pacino – a white male – plays Tony Montana who is an immigrant from Cuba in the film. This casting decision leads to the inherent discussion of race as well as the identity of Tony and other characters throughout the film.  So one should ask, why Al Pacino, what statement were the directors/producers trying to make? What was their intention in portraying a Cuban immigrant?

Throughout the immigration scene, we learn that his mother is Cuban and his father is American. His character develops throughout the film as we learn he left his mother and sister at home to pursue the “gangster life” with the dream of living a luxurious life. It is almost as if this is his version of the “American Dream” but in a twisted way. Eventually, we see he attained this goal and built himself up as a powerful drug lord. There was one quote which caught my attention because it depicts nearly every aspect of Tony’s character; he says “in this country, you gotta make the money first, then when you make the money you get the power, then when you get the power, then you get the woman” as if this is a simple plan with steps that must be followed to get to the top. The way he says “this country” infers that not every country operates on this system; nevertheless, there is this tone that says this path is the only path to get what he wants, what everyone should want – the ability to consume as he pleases. Yet, we also see Tony has a heart and conscience as he returns to visit his family to give them money and when he aborts a mission to kill a journalist when he realizes it will mean killing the man’s wife and children.

Tony has this confident attitude about him which shown through in nearly every scene. Throughout the film, Tony is constantly seen in a suit – or at least a button-down shirt if he doesn’t have on a jacket.  Even by the pool, Tony is in a suit. This costume choice depicts Tony’s desire and then possession of wealth and fancy things. Essentially Tony Montana is a refugee who comes to the United States for riches and success but wants this through a path different from your “typical American.”

A reoccurring image/theme throughout the film is the idea of temptation. Whether it is falling for your boss’ girl, the inclination for more money and more wealth or the desire to get high (on your own supply) the characters are met with the choice of resisting or giving into temptation, which they tend to give into. This idea of temptation is almost like wanting the next best thing, consuming the lavish lifestyle of the rich. This theme plays out throughout the film as Tony and other gangsters consume drugs, money, and violence.