Did You Know These 10 Things About ‘Scarface’?
When ‘Scarface’ premiered in 1983, it shocked audiences with its graphic violence, raw language, and unapologetic look at crime and ambition. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, the film followed Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rose from nothing to become a powerful drug lord in Miami. Starring Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles, the movie was a gritty tale of excess, power, and downfall.
Although it was controversial on release, ‘Scarface’ has since become a cultural touchstone, influencing everything from music and fashion to countless other films. Its story of greed and corruption continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Here are ten things you might not know about ‘Scarface’.
The Film Was a Remake
‘Scarface’ was inspired by the 1932 gangster film of the same name, which told the story of a Chicago bootlegger.
Oliver Stone and Brian De Palma modernized the story, shifting the focus to the cocaine trade in Miami during the 1980s.
Al Pacino Immersed Himself in the Role
Pacino studied Cuban culture and even spent time with immigrants in Miami to better capture Tony Montana’s background.
He also worked with a dialect coach to create Tony’s distinctive accent, which became one of the film’s trademarks.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Role Nearly Went to Someone Else
Michelle Pfeiffer played Elvira Hancock, Tony’s love interest, in one of her breakout roles.
The studio was hesitant to cast her because she wasn’t a big star at the time, but her performance became unforgettable.
The Infamous Chainsaw Scene Was Cut for Ratings
One of the film’s most shocking moments was the chainsaw torture scene. The original cut was even more graphic, but it was trimmed down to avoid an X rating.
Even in its censored version, the scene remains one of the most disturbing in crime movie history.
The Dialogue Became Legendary
The movie’s lines, especially “Say hello to my little friend!”, became some of the most quoted in film history.
Tony Montana’s larger-than-life personality and brutal honesty made nearly every line memorable.
The Film Was Criticized for Violence and Language
On release, ‘Scarface’ drew controversy for its profanity, which totaled over 200 uses of the F-word, and its extreme violence.
Despite the criticism, the boldness of the film helped cement its lasting impact.
Giorgio Moroder Composed the Soundtrack
The film’s synth-heavy score was composed by Giorgio Moroder, a pioneer of electronic music.
The soundtrack gave the movie its distinctive 1980s vibe and added to its intensity.
It Became a Hip-Hop and Pop Culture Icon
Though not an immediate box office hit, ‘Scarface’ later found massive popularity, especially in hip-hop culture.
Artists often reference Tony Montana’s rise and fall as a metaphor for ambition, success, and downfall.
Oliver Stone Researched the Cocaine Trade Firsthand
To write the script, Oliver Stone traveled to Miami and South America to research the cocaine industry.
His firsthand research added authenticity to the gritty depiction of drug trafficking.
It Eventually Became a Cult Classic
Although critics were divided at first, ‘Scarface’ grew in reputation over time.
Today, it is regarded as one of the greatest gangster films ever made, with Tony Montana standing alongside cinema’s most iconic characters.
What fact about ‘Scarface’ did you find the most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments!