Scarface: The Shame Of The Nation | The Critique

Made in 1932, this movie literally immortalized infamous gangster Al Capone forever till there is any humanity on this planet. Remade in innumerous ways in different languages and tints and colors, Scarface made in 1932 by Howard Hawks and Richard Rosson and produced by an equally controversial Howard Hughes is considered to be an important film in the history of world cinema.

Scarface is journey of Tony Camonte from a small time goon to America’s biggest gangster. Tony works Johnny and becomes his trusted lieutenant. However, he has a mind of his own. After a point he ignores Johnny’s commands. His violent actions attract fame and police. This jeopardizes his situation and war is declared in the mafia world. There is another subplot involving his sister and his friend marrying against his wishes. This subplot becomes an integral part of the climax and brings a rude closure to his story.

Backed by Howard Hughes, crew collected the guts to achieve something unimaginable in that era. Gore and realism that haunted people, lauded and condemned at the same time. Performances are real. Hysterics and stereotypes were avoided. Paul Muni made Al Capone vulnerable and very real. His preparation reflected on screen. Script and direction were simply brilliant. Directors who made gangster movies in post World War 2 era considered this classic a textbook for their education.

Even after eight decades, Scarface is one of the most watched films of Pre-World War – 2 era and one of the most highly rated gangster movies ever made. Many consider it a breakthrough film which changed the norms of censorship and exposed double standards in name of morality. It was defiant and defined the rules. Howard Hughes will be remembered long for his stand for sake of art. In 1983, it was remade with Al Pacino as Tony Montana.  Like the original, latter got appreciation and attained a cult status as well.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh