43 Years Ago, This Cult Classic Was Dubbed One of the Worst Movies Ever!

It’s not uncommon for films that flop in theaters to find new life later on. Among such films, Scarface is one of the most notable examples.

While it’s now undeniable that Brian De Palma’s film has reached cult status—as seen by the plethora of merchandise featuring its anti-hero Tony Montana—it’s important to remember that upon its release in 1983, Scarface (a remake of Howard Hawks’ 1932 film of the same name) was met with universally poor reviews.

Slammed by Critics at Release

“A cruel parody of The Godfather that’s only amusing for ten minutes” (according to the Boston Globe) or “it’s doubtful that the creators of the original film would feel honored by this dedication” (according to the Chicago Reader) are just a few examples of the harsh critiques that greeted the film, which was also nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Director the following year.

An epitome of 80s cinema (right down to its soundtrack by Giorgi Moroder) for both its merits and excesses, Scarface was directed by Brian De Palma at the peak of his career, with a script by Oliver Stone who had just come off the success of his previous screenplays (Midnight Express, which won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and Conan the Barbarian).

A sharp critique of the American Dream during the Reagan era (the opening sequence includes actual news footage), Scarface is likely the most representative film of its time. Everything in Scarface is exaggerated: the violence is extreme, the characters are caricatures, and the film is defined by the flashy, colorful aesthetic of the 80s.

The World is Yours

In the title role of “Scarface” Tony Montana, Al Pacino delivers an over-the-top performance as a vulgar and impulsive outlaw, a stark contrast to the cold, calculating mobster Michael Corleone he portrayed in the first two installments of The Godfather (the third installment wouldn’t be released until a few years after Scarface).

Opposite him, Michelle Pfeiffer turns in a stellar performance. Viewed by Tony Montana as a trophy to crown his climb to the top of the American dream, Elvira agrees to marry him in a ceremony marked by luxury, but she never submits to him.

A Staple in American Pop Culture

Rediscovered in the years following its release through TV broadcasts and the VHS market, Scarface is now regarded as one of the most iconic films of the 80s, and is sometimes even listed among the greatest films of all time.

A quintessential gangster film, Scarface continues to influence many works today, whether it be the TV series Breaking Bad (which featured Steven Bauer—Tony Montana’s right-hand man Manny—as a Mexican cartel boss) or the Grand Theft Auto video game saga, particularly “Vice City”.

An emblematic film of the 80s, Scarface is now available on Netflix!

Check out the list of films currently available on the platform!

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