Scarface (1983 film)

Scarface is a 1983 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone and starring Al Pacino. It is a remake of the 1932 film, in turn based on the 1930 novel. It tells the story of Cuban refugee Tony Montana, who arrives in Miami during the Mariel boatlift and becomes a powerful drug lord. The film co-stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

Pacino worked with producer Martin Bregman to develop the project. Sidney Lumet was initially hired to direct the film but was replaced by De Palma, who hired Stone to write the script. De Palma dedicated the film to the memories of Howard Hawks and Ben Hecht, the director and screenwriter, respectively, of the original film. Filming took place from November 1982 to May 1983 in Los Angeles and Miami. The film's soundtrack was composed by Giorgio Moroder.

Scarface premiered in New York City on December 1, 1983, and was released on December 9 by Universal Pictures. The film was a commercial success, grossing $66 million. Initial critical response was negative due to its extreme violence, profanity and graphic drug use. Some Cuban expatriates in Miami objected to the film's portrayal of Cubans as criminals and drug traffickers. In the years that followed, some critics have reappraised it, and it is now considered to be one of the greatest gangster films ever made.^[6] Screenwriters and directors such as Martin Scorsese have praised the film, and it has been referenced extensively in pop culture, especially in hip-hop culture,^[7][8] as well as comic books, television programs and video games. The film is regarded as a cult classic.^[9][10]

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