Scarface (1932) vs. Scarface (1983)

[KC]

Back to the movie, I have a hard time having much interest in someone who's ambition is to get to the top of his "profession" by whatever means possible. It just doesn't appeal to me. I'll try to get some more watched. This definitely isn't one of those films that will get me started on a movie watching binge.

For what it's worth, I think the original Scarface would make you feel the same way. As I said a few posts up:

Tony is a guy with only one idea in his head and only one answer to every question: kill.

Thanks for your remembrances of "vintage" Miami. Interesting!

[Elizabeth77]

I'm sorry to say that I gave up on Scarface. I am very stressed at the moment and just can't stomach it. I won't have that trouble with the next two films. 

[Christopher]

Here's a very brief article about Oliver Stone writing Scarface 1983.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/scarface-film-1983-cocaine-oliver-stone-screenplay-tony-montana-brian-de-palma-a7521051.html

[Elizabeth77]

Interesting article, but didn't make the movie more watchable. It says a great deal more about the mind of the writer. I'm not sure which won out. 

[The Schofield Kid]

The remake was brutal. At nearly three hours long this was a chore to sit through. I'd had enough after an hour but stuck it out. It's not a bad film and Pacino is good if a little over the top cartoonish in some scenes. It's just the film seemed to be going in slow motion for me.

Back to the movie, I have a hard time having much interest in someone who's ambition is to get to the top of his "profession" by whatever means possible. It just doesn't appeal to me.

I agree.

Don't think I'll be seeing that film again. Too long and too slow.

[Christopher]

I do remember that it seemed to move a bit slow as well, and that was part of the reason why I stopped watching.

[Matt]

Wow, am I the only person here who loved the remake? 

[Jed Cooper]

I didn't care for Al Pacino's Scarface film initially.  I was too into Sudden Impact to bother.  I wish I did.  I was fortunate enough to catch a special screening a few years ago.  It was a Blu-ray release promotional tie in.  As for Eastwood's movie, Scarface is far superior and has aged better over the decades.  I still haven't seen the original but have been curious about it for some time. 

[KC]

What in the world does Sudden Impact have to do with Scarface ... either version?

[Jed Cooper]

What in the world does Sudden Impact have to do with Scarface ... either version?

They were in the cinema at the same time, both having been released 12/09/83 with Scarface making it's New York City premiere 12/01/83.  So, my point was although Pacino's Scarface was popular and successful at the time, I was too big an Eastwood fan to even bother seeing it.  When I finally came across it on cable, I enjoyed it very much and Pacino was great.