When we think of Brian De Palma’s Scarface (1983), the first thing that comes to mind is Tony Montana’s (Al Pacino) famous line, “Say hello to my little friend.” Then we also remember the gory chainsaw scene for its graphic violence. And then there is a series of images full of drugs, more violence, and other grand spectacles.In a nutshell, subtlety is something that neither Scarface nor Tony Montana is known for. It’s quite possible to overlook a seemingly inconspicuous scene with a quiet, almost contemplative dialogue. While driving around with Manny (Steven Bauer), Tony tells him that he likes Elvira (Michelle Pfeiffer), his boss’s girlfriend, and that he knows she likes him, too. When Manny asks how he knows that, Tony says:“The eyes, Chico, they never lie.”In a movie about drugs, gunfights, crude profanity, and extreme violence, this quiet line stands out. Tony, Scarface, doesn’t seem like himself.Or is this the real Tony behind the mask of Scarface?The Line in Context and the Crack in Tony’s ConfidenceAs Tony strives to satisfy his desire and establish control, he uses this line as valid proof of emotional certainty. This act may look confident, but it is, in fact, hiding Tony’s vulnerability underneath. Desire, Instinct, and CertaintyLike all self-assured, self-important men, Tony believes in his perception. For him, his perception is as good as proof or fact. He trusts what he sees more than anything. And more often than not, most self-important people see what they want to see.As for his attraction...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Tuesday, 18 November