Lists are great. They inspire discussion, create arguments, and tend to spiral off into fun new lists. When you do a list about the “BEST” of anything it goes from being fun to becoming a hotbed for arguments. There’s no such thing as a definitive list but I’ve decided to pull from my rather extensive life of film watching and put it to good use.
This is not the “film critic’s top 100” list. There’s no guarantee Citizen Kane or The Bicycle Thief will be in the top echelon or even on the list. This is the 100 movies I would put my name on as my top 100. If I died tomorrow this would represent the 100 films I find most vital, special, or ones that bonded to whatever it is that makes me me. I’m not including documentaries, though that might make for a nice supplemental list.
The first 80 will be in no particular order. The last 20 will be in very particular order. One a day, you have my word.
#48 – Scarface
Message Board Thread Discussion.
Master Index of the 100 Best Movies Ever.
Why is it here:
This is such a weird movie. It’s a gangster film on par with the best of the best but it’s so silly in some ways that it feels like a parody. And then it’s heartbreaking. And then it’s vicious. And then an acting powerhouse scene happens. And then some weird moody 80’s thing happens and dates the movie but in a really amazing way. It has so many lives and as separate parts they can’t compete but as a whole Scarface is just simply Scarface. There’s an energy to it that is so magnetic and Pacino is so riveting and borderline comical that it’s impossible not to love it. Not in the way that the thugs came to love it, that was all about image. Scarface is downright quaint now but it’s an absolute blast and it’s loaded with great lines, great character moments, and some of the most iconic moments in film history.
The definition of a classic.
Moments to savor:
Chainsaws and showers don’t mix. F. Murray does not enjoy his time. Harris Yulin does not enjoy his time. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio doesn’t enjoy her time. Steven Bauer doesn’t enjoy his time. Robert Loggia is somewhat Spaniard! Loads of cocaine! Every famous line. The music. The complete lack of love from Mrs. Montana.
Rewatchability:
High.
Sorry, I was describing Tony. What was the question?
Miscellany:
This article would have better if it was about Scarf Face.
I mainlined on this flick through the late 80’s and early 90’s and it had fallen out of my circle until Grand Theft Auto did their Vice City and reminded me just how vital and singular Scarface is. I doubt I’ll be without it for any extended period again.