Tony Montana’s iconic Scarface tattoo is a line drawing of a skull with a snake coming out of its mouth, which has been speculated to mean “Die In Hell” or “Live For Your Sins”. The tattoo was designed by Charlie Chaplin and is one of the most iconic aspects of the film, “The Scarface: Devil In Disguise”. When Tony Montana gets his famous Scarface tattoo, he is actually getting two tattoos in one. The first tattoo is the word “Scarface” written in Old English lettering, a tribute to the 1932 movie of the same name that Montana loves. The second tattoo is a large scar running down Montana’s face, which is a rem. Tony claims that because he has an American father, he has the right to a green card. However, his request is denied because of a trident-style tattoo on his right hand, which indicates that he was an assassin in prison.
Scarface tattoos symbolize a range of themes from glamorization of criminal lifestyle and pursuit of the American Dream to personal values like power, wealth, loyalty, and family. Popular designs include Tony Montana’s “Eat Pussy and Die” tattoo, which symbolizes the Inevitability that both will succumb. Both kill superiors to gain power only to have paranoia and ambition prove their bloody ‘The World is Yours’ tattoo. This tattoo is a popular choice for Scarface fans looking to embody the iconic character Tony Montana from the movie of the same name. These tattoos can symbolize resilience, ambition, and the limitless possibilities available to you.
In conclusion, Tony Montana’s Scarface tattoo is a symbol of resilience, ambition, and the limitless possibilities available to you. It is a popular choice for Scarface fans looking to embody the iconic character and the iconic Scarface tattoos.
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| What is this tattoo from the political prisoner scene? Heart … | Okay Guys If Y’all Ever Read The Scarface: Devil In disguise Comic Book, Basically Tony’s Tattoo Means To “Die In Hell” Or “Live For Your Sins” … | reddit.com |
| Tony Montana’s heart tattoo – General Chat | I’ve been looking for a screen and the real meaning of Tony’s tattoo for a long time. … It means “The heart of the hoowah” or something. | gtaforums.com |
| Tony Montana Tattoo Meaning | But in prison, it specifically means that you are a part of a gang. And having that tattoo. when you’re not associated with that gang, you might … | tiktok.com |
📹 How It All Went Wrong for Tony Montana
Tony Montana was one of the most iconic and controversial criminals in history. He was famous for his killing spree, which …
What Does Montana'S Tattoo Mean?
The text discusses various tattoos associated with Tony Montana, the main character from the 1932 film "Scarface." Notably, Montana has two significant tattoos: one reads "Scarface" in Old English lettering as a tribute to his favorite movie, and the other depicts a large scar running down his face, symbolizing his tough personality and a reminder of a brutal attack he endured. Another prominent tattoo features the phrase "The world is yours," a famous quote from the film representing ambition and opportunity.
The text highlights that tattoos can carry multiple meanings and symbolize different aspects of a person's identity. For example, Montana’s tattoos provide insight into his character, reflecting the themes of danger and resilience in the film. A separate tattoo of a skull with a snake emerging from its mouth is mentioned, speculated to signify connections with gangs and assassins, representing a troubled past or violent undertones.
The reference to a teardrop tattoo implies its recognition in popular culture as symbolizing various meanings, including loss, murder, or a memorial. Many tattoos often hold personal, spiritual, or cultural significance, depending on the individual’s life experiences and beliefs. The placement of a tattoo on the body can also be significant, influencing its meaning.
The text mentions that while some tattoos have clear meanings, others are more ambiguous. It suggests an exploration of tattoo meanings through a comprehensive guide that dives into various designs, from ancient symbols to modern motifs, revealing their stories and significance.
French Montana's tattoos are also touched upon, describing how they reflect his personal journey, cultural heritage, and faith. His tattoos, such as the Arabic script on his neck, have deep emotional resonance, showcasing how tattoos may convey messages about an individual’s values and personal background.
Overall, Montana's tattoos symbolize his complex personality, embodying themes of survival, ambition, and a rebellious spirit, encapsulated in the iconic essence of "Scarface." By exploring the meanings behind these tattoos, one can gain a deeper understanding of their cultural and personal significance in storytelling and identity.
What Does Tony Montana Mean Slang?
The term "Tony Montana" has evolved into a slang term representing dominance, power, or ruthlessness, often associated with individuals involved in drug use or trafficking. This usage originates from the iconic character Tony Montana, portrayed by Al Pacino in the 1983 film "Scarface." As a Cuban refugee who rises from poverty to become a notorious drug lord in America, Montana embodies the traits of ambition and aggression.
In Slang, calling oneself 'Tony Montana' signifies an assertion of influence or a lifestyle associated with the drug trade. Moreover, "Tony Montana" can function as a verb or an adjective, indicating actions or behavior reflecting ruthlessness or an eagerness to assert power—qualities embodied by the character.
The film "Scarface" popularized certain phrases and cultural expressions, such as "mang," which is derived from a Cubano accent signifying "man." Those who identify with this term often emulate the persona by adopting his flamboyant and assertive language, sometimes joking about their capabilities, often with a blatant overestimation of their skills.
Advertising a lavish lifestyle or high social status can also be classified under 'Tony,' as in something that is fashionable or prestigious. This correlates with regional slang, where expressions like "Ya Sure, You Betcha" become commonplace in casual conversation, further contributing to the cultural lexicon.
The impact of the character extends beyond the film, inspiring various forms of modern expression, such as songs that celebrate ambition and the theme of rising against adversity, much like Tony Montana’s journey. Artists reference him as a symbol of rebellion and unyielding pursuit of success, often highlighting the juxtaposition of prosperity and criminality.
The character Antonio "Tony" Montana also serves as a cautionary tale in popular culture, illustrating the perils of navigating a life steeped in violence and illegal endeavors. Therefore, while the phrase 'Tony Montana' resonates with appealing notions of success, it simultaneously reflects the complicated realities of those chasing similar aspirations.
Overall, Tony Montana serves as a multifaceted symbol within slang that encapsulates themes of power, ambition, and the complexities of the human struggle for success, drawing from a rich cultural narrative deeply embedded in cinema and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Who Plays Tony Montana In Scarface?
Antonio "Tony" Montana, portrayed by Al Pacino in the 1983 film Scarface and voiced by André Sogliuzzo in the 2006 video game Scarface: The World Is Yours, stands as a cultural icon and a landmark character in cinematic history. Montana embodies the quintessential narrative of a person rising from the depths of society to achieve wealth and power, ultimately becoming a drug lord in Miami. This dramatic arc and his relentless ambition have resonated with audiences, cementing his status as one of film’s most iconic characters.
The character is inspired by historical immigrant narratives, blending elements from Paul Muni’s Italian mobster Tony Camonte from the 1932 version of Scarface and Oliver Stone's original conception, which combined the name of his favorite football player, Joe Montana, and the classic character. In Brian De Palma's Scarface, we see Tony's journey from a Cuban refugee to a powerful figure in the drug trade, with essential supporting characters including Manny Ray, his friend and confidant, played by Steven Bauer, and Elvira, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, who is Frank Lopez's girlfriend before marrying Tony.
Al Pacino's portrayal of Tony Montana is often cited as one of the highlights of his career, showcasing his extraordinary talent and intensity. However, following the film’s release, Pacino’s career faced some challenges despite the character's profound influence on popular culture. As a gangster driven by the American Dream, Tony Montana is unyielding in his pursuit of success, even if it means engaging in illegal activities. His iconic lines, such as "I kill a communist for fun, but for a green card," encapsulate his ruthless determination and the extreme lengths he will go to achieve his goals.
The ensemble cast also features Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Gina Montana and Robert Loggia as Frank Lopez. The film's narrative encapsulates the rise and fall of Tony Montana, which reflects broader themes of excess, ambition, and the darker sides of the American Dream.
In popular culture, Tony Montana is remembered not only for his criminal exploits but also for his relentless ambition and complex personality. His story, rooted in the immigrant experience, serves as a powerful commentary on the pursuit of the American Dream, making him a character that remains relevant today. His legacy continues to influence media and storytelling, proving that the allure of wealth and power can have devastating consequences. Tony Montana's character resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark in film history and on audiences worldwide.
What Did Tony Montana Do In Cuba?
During the communist regime in Cuba, Antonio "Tony" Montana became heavily involved in crime, engaging in activities as an assassin and armed robber. Montana was later drafted into the Cuban Army, where he developed his shooting skills. It was during this time that he formed a friendship with fellow soldier Manny Ribera, as well as Angel Fernandez and Chi-Chi. In May 1980, Tony participated in the Mariel boatlift, a mass exodus that saw 125, 000 Cubans flee to Miami. Upon arrival, he was questioned by U. S. officials, claiming to be a "political prisoner" and asserting his right to a green card based on his American father's heritage.
Tony Montana's story, which inspired the figure of Scarface, mirrors the fates of many Cuban criminals who arrived in the United States during this tumultuous phase. He was loosely based on notorious figures such as Al Capone, known as Scarface due to his facial scars, and the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. While in military service, Montana was discharged and became one of the 25, 000 criminals allowed into the U. S., eventually becoming Miami's leading drug smuggler throughout the 1980s, driven by his relentless ambition.
The film "Scarface," starring Al Pacino, showcased Montana's rise to prominence in the Miami drug cartel, driven by both ambition and addiction. His journey portrayed not only his ascent in the criminal underbelly of Miami but also his ultimate undoing due to his own vices. The film resonates as a cult classic, highlighting the tragic tale of a Cuban immigrant who amassed considerable power in the drug trade only to succumb to greed and the consequences of his lifestyle.
Tony's character is vividly illustrated through his interactions in the film, such as his exchange with immigration officers, where he downplays his criminal past by claiming to have worked in construction. Despite his attempts to mask his history as a political exile, he was actually a product of a regime that had emptied its prisons, leaving Cuba with a "bad mix" of individuals, including criminal elements.
Ultimately, Tony Montana's life reflects the challenges and tragedies faced by many immigrants, particularly those carrying the burdens of their pasts, as he ultimately lost everything he once valued in his relentless pursuit of power.
What Does Tony Mean In Slang?
The term "tony" in English is used as slang to describe something stylish, sophisticated, expensive, and luxurious. For example, it might refer to a luxury vehicle or a high-end restaurant. Its origins trace back to American English, where it initially related to a reddish-brown fashion color popular in the 1920s. Linguists suggest that the term "tony" may derive from "tone," implying elevated social status, indicating someone who is "high-toned."
The essential definition characterizes "tony" as conveying high-class tastes, encapsulating a sense of prestige, elegance, and current fashion trends. It is often used to highlight a person's refined style or living conditions, such as residing in a tony neighborhood. In a more informal context, "tony" can also reflect admiration or surprise in casual dialogues among friends and colleagues.
The slang term has evolved and is frequently utilized to imply that something is of superior quality, often contrasting with something deemed average or inferior. Interestingly, "Tony" can also take on a personal aspect when referring to someone who is generous and supportive, as seen in phrases like, "Tony has always had my back."
The word connects to broader cultural usages and is part of ongoing social dialogues, especially on platforms like TikTok, where slang evolves rapidly. "Tony" resonates within various communities, adding personality to casual conversations. The term is noted for its American roots but has permeated various forms of media, reflecting contemporary lifestyles and preferences.
Overall, "tony" serves as a vibrant descriptor for items, experiences, and sometimes people that embody a luxurious and fashionable ethos, encapsulating a high-toned aura in both personal and public expressions.
Why Did Tony Shoot Manny?
Tony returns to Miami, where Sosa, infuriated by a journalist exposing his drug operations, vows revenge. Acting on his mother’s advice, Tony tracks down Gina, only to find her with Manny. In a fit of rage fueled by betrayal, Tony shoots Manny dead. Gina, heartbroken, reveals to Tony they were married the previous day. This moment highlights Tony's intense protectiveness over Gina, whom he sees as the only "pure" aspect of his chaotic life, contrasting sharply with his views of Manny.
Tony had previously felt betrayed by Frank’s lack of faith in him as a partner, which led to similar treatment of Manny when Tony rose to power, dismissing his friend's advice and reducing him to a subordinate role. The film cryptically refers to why Tony ultimately kills Manny without spoiling the plot, suggesting that Tony's motivations stem from a complex mix of feelings about loyalty and trust, compounded by a protective instinct towards Gina.
After the shocking murder, Tony returns to his mansion, only to be confronted by an onslaught of Sosa’s men seeking retribution. During this chaotic moment, Tony zealously defends his territory, refusing to relent even as he faces overwhelming odds. His struggle reflects a deep-seated resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the barrage of Sosa's hitmen attacking his home, Tony retains defiance, demonstrating his inability to accept defeat.
Yet, while Tony battles fiercely, the narrative reminds us of his tragic missteps. His blind fury leads to the tragic killing of Manny, which is heightened by his ignorance of the joyous news Gina had intended to share. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tony's desire for power and dominance blinds him to the reality of his loved ones and betrayals that surround him.
Despite Tony's violent actions, the audience experiences sympathy for him as he grapples with loss and betrayal, especially since he acted in a moment of uncontrollable rage. The film unveils the complexity of Tony's character, illustrating how loyalty can both bind and sever relationships. The complexity of Tony's emotional state ultimately turns the tragedy of his actions into a poignant commentary on the repercussions of the ruthless world in which he resides.
As the film reaches its climax, the viewer witnesses the consequences of Tony's decisions—Sosa's men close in, his own empire crumbles, and Tony's protective instincts lead him to commit irrevocable acts of violence. By the end, Tony stands, defiant yet vulnerable, illustrating the deeper themes of loyalty, love, and the fallout of a life engulfed in crime and chaos.
Did Tony Montana Get A Tattoo In Scarface?
In the film Scarface, Tony Montana, portrayed by Al Pacino, features a notable tattoo that plays a significant role in his character's identity. This tattoo was painstakingly crafted by the same artist responsible for all the film's tattoos, taking six hours to complete over two filming days. It has since become one of the film's most recognizable symbols. The design was inspired by a tattoo that Pacino himself observed while visiting a Mexican prison, which belonged to a gang member and depicted a skull entwined with a snake.
In the Scarface comic series titled "Devil In Disguise," it is suggested that Tony’s tattoo symbolizes phrases like "Die in Hell" and "Live for Your Sins," a reference to his past during his military service as indicated in the comics. The iconic tattoo features the word "Scarface" in Old English lettering as a tribute to the original 1932 film that inspired Montana. It also includes a prominent scar running down his face, melding these elements into a powerful statement about his character.
Tony Montana represents the archetype of an individual who rises from poverty to wealth, thus becoming an emblematic figure in the cultural landscape. Scarface, released in 1983, not only solidified Tony's status as a cultural icon but also showcased a range of tattoos that contribute to the narrative and characterization throughout the film. Character specifics, including the tattoo on his face, create varied interpretations among viewers—some perceive it as giving him a fierce demeanor, while others associate it with a darker past, including his history as an assassin, evidenced by another tattoo on his hand that impacts his immigration status.
The character of Tony Montana, a fictional villain created by screenwriter Oliver Stone, is influenced by real-life figures in the drug trade but remains a product of cinematic storytelling. The film has left a lasting impact, sometimes inviting comparisons with other iconic characters and their respective tattoos, such as Robert Mitchum's "Love/Hate" knuckle tattoos in The Night of the Hunter.
Scarface continues to be celebrated, influencing art, including tattoos inspired by Tony Montana. As a result, many fans and tattoo enthusiasts seek to replicate or homage to his iconic image. The film’s legacy is preserved and expanded through such tattoos, creating a lasting cultural significance attached to its characters and their stories.
What Is A 333 Tattoo?
The 333 tattoo holds diverse meanings for individuals, often symbolizing growth and change. The number three is seen as auspicious in various cultures, representing good fortune. For many, a 333 tattoo serves as a personal reminder. Additionally, it is associated with twin flames or soulmates, embodying a balance of mind, body, and spirit that fosters an unbreakable bond between two people. These tattoos also carry spiritual and religious significance across cultures.
In Hinduism, for instance, 333 denotes the three primary deities: Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. From a numerological perspective, 333 conveys vital significance, indicating the three dimensions of human existence. Spiritually, these tattoos represent the blessings and guidance of angels, suggesting a harmonious balance among one's mind, body, and spirit.
Overall, the 333 tattoo embodies spiritual significance and cosmic alignment. In numerology, repeating numbers are believed to convey messages from the universe. The meaning of a 333 tattoo may vary; for some, it signifies the Christian Trinity's threefold nature, while others perceive it as a representation of strength or power. Within tattoo culture, 333 designs are popular for their meaningful spiritual connotations.
The number three frequently denotes harmony and balance in various cultures and spiritual traditions. The 333 tattoo can illustrate the Holy Trinity, where each line represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Furthermore, it symbolizes protection and guidance, with each digit representing layers of support.
The 333 tattoo encourages spiritual growth and expansion, serving as a reminder to have faith in the universe and trust that one’s desires will materialize. For some, inking the number 333 connects them to the spiritual realm, maintaining close proximity to its positive energy. It heralds the concepts of spiritual development, deep relationships, self-acceptance, and the quest for life's meaning.
Moreover, these tattoos embody love, as they often commemorate deeply committed relationships. In essence, the 333 tattoo showcases a triad of significance—communication, material, and spiritual support—forming a rich tapestry of meaning that resonates with many. Each tattoo serves as a personal emblem reflecting its wearer’s journey toward growth, spirituality, and relational depth.
Who Is Tony Montana?
Tony Montana, a cultural icon and one of cinema's most recognizable characters, exemplifies the rise from poverty to power. Born on May 1, 1941, in Cuba to a family of mixed Isleños and Italian descent, he became the central figure in the 1983 film "Scarface," directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. Portrayed by Al Pacino, Montana is a fictional character whose narrative draws from a blend of real-life influences like notorious criminals and drug dealers. His story begins with his arrival in Miami in 1980 as part of the Mariel boatlift, alongside his close friend, Manny Ribera, and other companions.
In "Scarface," Montana enters the American criminal underworld seeking wealth and status, transforming from a lowly immigrant into a powerful drug lord. Known for his infamous catchphrase, "Say hello to my little friend," Montana represents the violent and chaotic pursuit of the American Dream. While the character is entirely fictional, discussions have linked him to historical figures like Al Capone, a famous gangster who operated during the 1920s and 1930s, although the real-life Tony Montana, an Italian with mafia ties, insists he inspired Pacino’s portrayal.
The film "Scarface" is a loose remake of the 1932 version, updating its themes to reflect the drug crisis of the 1980s. Despite being a product of fiction, Montana's character resonates with audiences, symbolizing ambition, power struggles, and the darker side of the American Dream. His rise to power is marked by violence, betrayal, and ultimately his downfall, as the enemies he makes grow exponentially.
Tony Montana’s story focuses on themes of exploitation and the relentless pursuit of power, making him a significant figure in pop culture. As a character, he is not just a criminal but also a reflection of societal issues regarding immigration, crime, and consumerism in America during that era, solidifying his legacy as a quintessential anti-hero.
Is Tony Montana Tattoo Based On A True Story?
The tattoo on Tony Montana's hand in "Scarface" embodies themes of power and status tied to his life as a gangster, paralleling its inspiration from real-life Cuban mobster Vito Genovese, known for his ruthless tactics and influence in the American mob scene. Tony Montana, portrayed by Al Pacino in the 1983 film directed by Brian De Palma, is a fictional character created by Oliver Stone. While the character draws inspiration from real criminals and drug dealers, he does not represent a true story.
Tony, raised in a poor Havana neighborhood with Spanish immigrant roots, had a violent youth that included earning his infamous scar at age 13 during a fight with a Cuban army officer, whom he killed. After being arrested, he served in the Cuban army and later went AWOL, eventually fleeing to France. The narrative of "Scarface," as crafted by Stone, is largely fictional but contains nods to historical figures, including Al Capone, from whom some elements of Montana's character were derived. Both characters experienced luxury and notoriety in their gangster lifestyles.
The film is a remake of a 1932 classic and is often mistakenly believed to be based on real events, but in reality, it draws on a variety of influences rather than any single biography. Tony Montana's tattoo has various interpretations, with some comic adaptations suggesting it symbolizes living for one's sins or dying in hell.
Despite the urban legends about the character's design and relationship to real-life events, it's clear that Tony is primarily a product of cinematic creativity rather than a figure based solely on real mobsters. Al Pacino's depiction of Tony Montana has left a lasting mark on popular culture, resulting in various tattoos inspired by this iconic character. Fans and audiences alike have crafted their own interpretations of the character and his symbolisms.
In summary, while "Scarface" touches upon real-life crime themes, it's fundamentally a fictional portrayal, blending elements of truth with dramatic storytelling to create the larger-than-life character of Tony Montana.
📹 Analyzing Evil: Tony Montana From Scarface
Welcome everyone to the thirty-ninth episode of Analyzing Evil! Our feature villain for this video is Tony Montana. I hope you enjoy …
I’m surprised there’s no mention of the fact that it’s Tony’s refusal to kill innocent children that puts him on Sosa’s hit list. It seemed like the message of the movie was, “If you choose this life, you have to live this life in full.” Tony ascended further and further until he hit a moral wall he couldn’t get around, and it was only then that he met his downfall.
I see Scarface as a character study of the obsession of pursuing the American Dream which to most people is wealth, power and status by any means necessary. Tony Montana is an example of someone who attains the American Dream the wrong way and ends up paying the price heavily. He loses his family, best friend, his wife, his empire and ultimately himself in one night. His rapid fall from grace symbolises how someone can lose it all in a quick second. If they make the wrong moves.
His biggest downfall was that he NEVER invested in security. Also he went to war with a man that had a wayyy bigger organization than him. Sosa actually had a cartel. Tony was just more of a rich guy with some bodyguards selling cocaine. Even tho he practically killed half Sosa’s men…Tony had no real muscle power to back him up. If Tony would’ve hired more guns, I think he could’ve survived.
His BIGGEST Mistake was killing Manny. Which is why when he was alone at his desk you didn’t see him reflect on any other Regret EXCEPT Killing Manny. He knew Manny to be a Player who Dogged women out and that’s all he ever saw him as when it came to Women. But He Underestimated Manny’s LOVE For him. They had been through EVERY Thing together. Manny even Saved his Life and Even Killed People for him. Manny LOVED Tony. And because He LOVED Tony he also Respected him. Which means he Respected Tony’s sister out of Respect for Tony. He would have NEVER Done Tony’s sister wrong or the way he did other women because SHE Was TONY’s Sister. His BEST FRIEND’s Sister. And he would’ve been too afraid to fall out with Tony over him mistreating Tony’s sister. Not out of Fear But out of LOVE For Tony. That Marriage would’ve made them Legit BROTHERS. They would’ve Literally Been FAMILY Now. And As much As they had been through together they might as Well had been BROTHERS. People say Tony Underestimated Alex Sousa. Which he did. But his BIGGEST Underestimation was MANNY. He didn’t think Manny would ever be capable of loving and treating his sister Right. But he was WRONG. Manny would’ve treated her like GOLD. Because She was TONY’s Sister. And Manny LOVED Tony and would never Disrespect Him by Hurting her. And I Think Tony realized this when he was alone at his desk towards the end of the movie. That’s why He Said “Oh Manny……….What Have I Done?” 💔💯
I always thought his biggest mistake was not taking Frank’s advice that those that keep a low profile are the only ones that last. After rewatching it recently I concluded I was wrong. The extreme cocaine habit did him in. THAT is his fatal flaw, leading directly to killing Frank, the corrupt cop Mel, and even his best friend Manny in a drug fueled rage. Take a good look at the arsenal Tony had in his office, but he was more interested in getting high instead of preparing for the inevitable attack coming due to the betrayal of Sosa. He was dead man walking.
Tony’s downfall was his inability just to do a little prison time. The government would of offered him a deal. His refusal to compromise made him more desperate in which he took on more risks than he should have. He tried to wash his money with an undercover FBI agent and from there it made him more vulnerable to take on more risks just to avoid Prison.
The issue is with people like Tony is that he tried to be two things in his life. A decent man (not killing kids) and a powerful man (having everything). In thay world there’s only the those that survive or those that die. Tony wasn’t a survivor because he tried to keep some morals in him, but was greedy and didn’t mind it. The drugs just made it far worse for him.
His biggest mistake was getting tricked by Sosa into thinking Omar was an informant. Once he got back, he should have sided with Frank, and together they could have plotted revenge against Sosa, or perhaps just disengaged from Sosa completely and chalk it up to experience. Eventually, Frank might have made Tony a true apprentice and turned the operation over to him after he retired.
I finally sat through the entire movie recently. It was violent and gritty and engrossing. I wanted to hate Tony and label him pure evil, but in the end he made himself a target by saving one woman and one child. In one moment he lost his bought freedom, his friends in high places, his ability to enjoy his accumulated wealth and his life. He was an underdog who had viciously fought and survived the underworld throughout the movie then jeopardized it in a moment. If it was just all about money, power, status and self, then why did he make a choice that put the heat on himself? He couldn’t stop himself from being himself from beginning to the end of the movie. Taking big risks at times. Himself took himself down in order to be himself to the bitter end. I didn’t find that he grew as a character. He always had “balls.” I did appreciate that he stayed true to himself. Maybe a contradiction to value two stranger’s lives above his sister or his best friend, but he stayed true to being a hot dumpster fire thug with his own brand of principles.
This is brilliant. You got it spot on. Scarface is favourite movie of all time and Tony Montana is my favourite character ever. When he become the big time kingpin, he started to get greedy, he was getting high on his supply, things went downhill from there. I would love for you to do a article of Nino Brown of New Jack City. Great article.
There’s several factors that led to Tony’s demise: his short fuse, his greed, his addiction to his own product, his softspot for kids, his sick Alabama-like thing for Gina. He went wrong the moment he started to snort his own supply which Frank and Elvira both warned him specifically to never do, started to take in too much money too fast to clean it all up which led to his arrest which led to his mission for Sousa which led to his killing Sousa’s brother just to save the kids and allow the UN speaker to give the speech which got him on Sousa’s hitlist, waited too long to realize the American Dream is an illusion, then killed Manny ’cause he didn’t want anyone to have Gina which led her to try to kill him before she got killed by Sousa’s goons.
Just like what others have said, it is Tony’s failure on the hit due to last minute moral code/arrogance kills him. It also pointed out on the pseudo sequel game of this movie, Sosa pointed out that Tony is already killing kids by the time he distributes kilos of coke, so Tony’s last minute morality is just a bit of hypocrisy
I believe that you hit the nail on the head when you stated that he broke a major rule by getting high on his own supply. He lost focus on everything around him. His greed got him caught by the feds just because he didn’t want to pay the increase of laundering his money. He knew the consequences of not carrying out the hit in New York, but was too high to watch everything as he done in the beginning of his rise to power.
After he killed Manny, I had absolutely no sympathy for what was about to come to him, that was the part of the film where I found myself go 360 on my opinion of him, not that he was ever a good guy to start with. And then poor Gina at the end. His mother was right about him, that’s the thing, it just took the length of the film to see it all manifest and unravel.
His downfall he didn’t blow up the car with the reporter in it because his wife and kids were in the car. Tony showed he did have morals and honor when he didn’t kill the children and wife. Tony has no problem whacking a rival gangster or someone who has it coming. But he’s not a monster he doesn’t kill just to kill failed to kill the reporter and he made his speech in front of the UN that made Sosa very angry and then ordered his men to whack Tony. Tony really showed who he was when he didn’t kill the kids. He showed he had feelings and he couldn’t have the death of those children and woman on his conscience. And who can blame him no human being with morals will kill kids and be able to sleep at night. Tony was a ruthless drug lord sure but he wasn’t a monster that was out to kill just to kill. Also Tony thought his best friend was fooling around with his sister and Tony thought he was just out for a piece of ass and it angered him when he saw his sister and his best friend he didn’t realize they were married and he truly loved her. You can see the instant regret and hurt on Tony’s face when he found out they just gotten married. He was protecting his sister from being used but he didn’t realize they truly loved eachother. And Tony was still very much on top of his game. When he died he had the wealth he had many men fighting for him a broke person doesn’t have that kind of security detail. He had more coke than he could ever use. Never get high on your own supply is meant for small time dealers but drug lords that have billions worth could use and still have more than enough to produce.
Tony should have given his best friend Manny an explanation of why he was with his sister and by tony finding out they were married he should have given them both $250000 as a wedding gift because Tony knew he was going to go to war and might not come back. Tony should have told Manny to stay out of the business and to take care of his sister, by then after finding out that tony would die, manny and his wife would have had a kid and probably name the child after tony.
Tony really did have an unhealthy obsession with his sister. People can say, “He was just being protective”. But Tony carried on like he wanted her, so much so that the scene which his sister starts telling him, “F” me Tony, you want me, “F” me Tony. Yeah his obsession with his sister was awkward.
Between the article and the comments, There are a couple of things that I had never thought of that much before. Tony not continuing to do business with the banker, and Tony not being willing to do any prison time both led him along the path to destruction. Killing Manny wasnt wise either, but there seems to be a debate on weather Tony held repressed sex urges towards Gina or was just overprotective. Her saying what she did before she died kind of makes me lean towards thinking he wanted her and did for a long time and she knew/felt it. I know that she was angry that he killed her husband, but her immediately saying that he wanted her makes me think that maybe he showed signs of it but didnt act it out and she noticed through the years. But mon the other hand, all the guys he was protective of her toward were criminals, including Manny, and he wanted better for her
I know your website is more of 80’s gangsters but I have several suggestions that I think would work well and definitely grow the website, how about doing down falls on the following 1) dough boy- boyz n da hood 2) Nino brown -New Jack City 3) Cain lawson- menace 2 society 4) Bishop- Juice 5) rocket- colors You could also throw in Jabba the Hutt he was also a gangster Great website, new subscriber.
We all knew that Sosa and Frank Lopez were 2 personas of what Tony could have been. Frank was a fine business man who kept it low key and tried to tell Tony dont get to excited with his success and use it to a bad disadvantage while on the other hand Sosa was a notorious Crime Lord who got what he wanted when he wanted regardless what needed to be done to obtain it. Even if it ment killing innocent people like children. If Frank had been still alive and Tony stuck with him rather than letting his own selfish aspirations and ambitions grow on him. Tony could have been still as successful and would have probably been still alive. It was towards the end of the film when Sosa had sent Tony and his crew to Assasinate that Policitical Leader that costed his life. Tony was a killer but not too cold of a killer. He just didnt see it as nessessary to kill someone especially children who was innocent. He wouldnt have had that problem if he stuck with Frank
Tony’s ability to negotiate was top notch but he was a bad leader. Manny was his best friend but he didn’t empower him. He treated him like an employee. That was part of the problem. He was a solo act. If he saw Manny as his equal he never would have shot him. If he saw Manny as his equal he would have told him at least about the Sosa mission. Manny felt like he had to prove himself. If Tony would have relinquished some power to Manny things would have turned out different and Tony would have had time to notice his wife or his best friend smashing his sister. TBH Sosa sent him on a mission that he could have sent Manny on a mission to do.
Spoilers: Tony didn’t break his word. He was just an ambitious loose cannon with a moral code, who sometimes didn’t gather all the information before making big choices. The last example of this is not taking the reduced jail sentence, and agreeing to take the assassination job without knowing the stakes, or that the people he’s working with are willing to kill children to protect international cartel crimes.
Can anyone see a Scarface (Tony Montana) television series, which details his life before he became a drug load, through his transition of a drug lord, his untimely death and an introduction of Tony Montana’s nephew and his growth into power. Tony Montana had the mindset of a Costra Nostrila made man, as they don’t do hits involving children either.
Tony’s biggest problem was also his best attribute he was a narcissist and he couldn’t control his anger that’s what caused him to talk down manny and alvera he didn’t want to take orders and killed sosas hitman which led to his demise he let his anger get the best of him and killed the one person that had his back from day one he didn’t listen to his mother and stayed away from Gina knowing the type of life he was living could have her wrapped up in some mess and he got her killed the one thing he saw on this planet as pure and untainted the crazy thing is his anger and narcissistic personality gave him balls of steel and un afraid to take chances not take crap from nobody and get whatever he wanted in life by any means necessary at the end of the day his death was inevitable live fast die young
Tony did Sosa a favor by stopping the worst plan Sosa could have had. Blow up a journalist, and his family, in fron of the UN HQ, as a message to the governments not to mess with him. What? You’re supposed to evade or bribe the governments. Not openly attack them on their turf. If successful, the USA would have sent in the Marines after Sosa, and would have done it with the entire UN’s blessing. Who would tell them not to? They all witnessed it. Great movie, but that’s the part I can never get passed. Sosa just can’t be that stupid
What went wrong for Tony Montana? Me: He didn’t hired enough armed men to protect his empire.. many of his henchmen are armed with only handguns, Chi chi is the only member who wields a submachine gun and Tony is the only man who is well armed, Meanwhile Sosa’s men carried ARs SMGs and even a shotgun.
This analysis misses some of the nuances of the movie. I think it’s important to remember that Tony doesn’t betray Frank on a matter of business (his pursuit of Elvira is another matter) and only kills him after the attempted hit at the Babylon Club. He even confirms that Frank was responsible (the phone call to Frank from one of his guys) before eliminating him. There’s also the problem of Frank’s competition to consider. Caspar Gomez and the Diaz brothers must not have liked this upstart bringing so much heat on them.
Too many people are defending Tony’s actions in this scene. Yes, he is a complex character, but he is controlling, verbally, and PHYSICALLY abusive to Gina. He has no right to control who she sleeps with, let alone hit her. I think people misinterpret the filmmakers intent. Tony was meant to be violent and irrational, certainly not a role model.
Definitely remember the impact this movie had on the hoods of America when this movie dropped,it was around the same time the CRACK/HIV/AIDS era started along with “THE WAR ON DRUGS”…. this is one of my favorite movies but his obsession with his sister,definitely was an uncomfortable one and STILL hard to watch‼️
I think it was an amalgamation of a few things. His obsession to control his sister and killing his best friend Manny. The failure to not go through with the hitman job he was given. His addiction to drugs and having such a dull woman for a wife. That, plus his paranoia and inability to lead his men led to his demise.
Actually one thing that was wrong was that Tony didn’t see Manny as not good enough it was the fact Tony wanted Gina to live a normal life outside of his empire and outside of the life he lived. He just wanted her safe and it was why he didn’t want Manny around her cause yes he was a womanizer but he also was involved with Tony’s empire
@5:40 when Tony killed Manny? that scene Tony gives the impression like “it was you who were goofing around with the chicks while Angel got killed”. Tony wasn’t mad because of the fact Manny was with Gina – he was mad because he just realized Manny was the complicit in Angel’s death by not perusal the stairs
Tony died because he didn’t use the car bomb and kill the family. Not only did he not detonate the bomb, he killed Sosa right hand man. This is what lead to Tony’s death. Well that and the fact the investigator made his speech against Tony’s group of friend, which included Sosa that he wasn’t suppose to make if Tony used the bomb.
I feel Sosa is going down too after Tony. There are couple of reasons for that. He really wanted Tony to kill that guy, means he was important for the whole mafia. He looked like he was in despair and afraid in his last phone call to Tony. He sent an emtire army of guys to kill him. I know it was because Tony had huge protection but he could have tricked hired some expert assassin to take Tony off guard more quietly which is what mafias usually do. This meant he did not have much time. He was about to go down and he wanted to take Tony down too.
It’s got to be the fact that he had no problem killing to get ahead, but when told to kill the ambassador and his kids even Tony knew that hurting innocent kids was just wrong no matter how you live or make money makes me think of him as an anti-hero bc he was bad but he still had honor all he had in the world was his word and his balls and he don’t break them for nobody, until you involve kids
Tony wasnt a very smart man. He just had a idea to make it and did whatever he had to. Killing his bestfriend over his sister just proves he wasnt to smart. Not even a conversation or even a argument. To get the info that may have changed the outcome. No, just shoot the man that has been with thru thick and thin. Like he was no body.. Just proves he just acted with out thought. Not to smart in my opinion. But his outlook on being a criminal did come with some rules. You dont kill woman and children. Really good rule to have. Even in that criminal life. But, not all criminals think like that. That’s what caused his problems with the real big guy. And the fact that Tony in the movie was doing so much drugs. Just enhanced his lack of brain function. So you add those things all together. And it’s easy to see why he didnt last to long. But for a movie it’s one of my favorites growing up. To this day anyone says scarface and this character and movie is the 1st thing that comes to mind. Great article. Thanks for sharing your takes.
Besides letting the money and power get to his head. His biggest downfall was killing frank the same man that brought you in kinda took you under the wing so to speak and killing manny he was your best friend like a brother to you he was the one that always had your back even when tony was in the wrong manny still stood by his side. His last downfall was treating his wife like shit and basically disrespect and embarrassed her in front of everyone in that restaurant
Somebody can say, “hey, tony don’t saw Sosa coming after him, he brought this because his moral highground!” The thing is, Tony don’t saw Sosa as a thread because he was si high with coke and so down with Elvira. With Frank, You are new, You really don’t expect a soft boy coming after You. But with Sosa, the old Tony would try to kill him before going out of new York.
Tony’s failure isn’t even all that complicated: he let his greed dictate most of the important decisions in his life. If he had listened to Frank and stayed the course he might not have had hundreds of millions to his name (or whatever the actual figure is), but he’d still have been a millionaire and would never want for anything ever again. When his banker told him he’d have to raise his rates to continue washing his money, Tony was more concerned about the amount of money that would cost him, even though he would honestly never have felt the sting of it; I mean, what’s $5-10 million when you’re still depositing $75 million? From there, the pieces just start falling like dominoes.
The # 1 thing and only thing is control of your emotions and feelings…..Tony wanted a dream and in that dream he wanted to control it!!! This Movie proves that is not possible. You can’t control everyone they way you think they should be… example Frank the boss telling him we need to grow….telling Manny not to fall in love with his sister….telling Sosa…..i had to cancel your hit mans contract because he was about to kill kids.. control! Control! Control!
Many comments are correct. Frank Lopez’s final advice as a boss to Tony— The people who last in this business fly straight, low key, quiet. The guys who want it all chicas, champagne, flash. They don’t last. The World is Yours- the moment Tony started getting it all was his demise. Frank knew. Tony was blinded by greed and excess which caused him to carry out some horribly bad actions. The one decision based on ethics ultimately sealed his fate.
Here’s the thing. Everyone thinks Tony is some honorable thug who got in over his head and allowed his temper to get the better of him and has a problem with authority. The truth is he was out for himself since day 1. That scene in the tub where he tells everyone that he only trusts / cares about himself is the most honest he is in the film. When he’s acting out, killing Manny and reneging on the contract on the politician. That’s him being him. He was destined to fall, no matter what.
I feel Tony’s down fall was his own principles and the fact that not everyone viewed them the same. If Manny had his thought process, he would of never hooked up with Gina BEHIND HIS BACK. His trust was broken. And prior to that, SOCA wanted him to kill the judge and not worry about the collateral damage went directly against TONY’S principle…. that got him on the hit list. Tony wouldn’t kill a woman and child outright but his drug empire was built on women and kids using his products. (Even adult men are someone’s Kid)
Tony was already filthy rich when he refused to pay the laundering rate increase to the banker he’d been in business with for years. That resulted in the Seidelbaum bust,major legal troubles and the subsequent betrayal of Sosa when Tony wacked Sosa’s assassin, Alberto in NYC. Greed and short sightedness played a large part in Tony’s undoing IMO.
His insatiable hunger for money is what led to his downfall. He didn’t love his wife. He didn’t love his best friend. He didn’t love his family. And I suspect he didn’t love himself. In the scene where Tony was talking to the banker and the banker was talking about increasing his rates. Tony said he was makings $10 million a month and he still wasn’t happy. It was over for him.
Why are people saying his biggest mistake was not letting the kids get killed? 😂😂😂 How about his coke fuelled paranoia, total inability to deal with any situation without giving into his impulses, total inability to trust anyone and an obsession with material possessions. He got lost in the sauce, all the power got to his head and he couldn’t think straight. The mistake isn’t “not going far enough”. There’s no end to that line of thinking. There’s no end to how far that abyss goes
I think you guys are taking this too literal. We all know technically his downfall was Sosa, drugs, and killing Manny, but the article isn’t describing his downfall literally. The article discusses the root cause of all of his problems, which were the issues Tony had within himself (greed, short temper, mistrust, mistreatment of his loved ones, and more importantly, his inability to determine when enough was enough). The reason why I mention Manny is because in a way, Manny’s presence can be interpreted as a direct metaphor for any good that Tony may have had within his consciousness. Throughout the film, Manny was the calm, morally correct voice, that Tony constantly mistreated and eventually killed off, prior to his demise. Possibly indicating that he lost the war with his internal struggles.
To me Tony failed as soon as he fell in love with a sad, sterile and depressed junkie as he turned into an even more sad and depressed junky himself. Things only went downhill for him. The dope itself was going to kill him at some point. The dope stole his soul entirely, and when he murdered Manny, which was his only true friend, the ying to his yang, it was over. His natural habit for anger and jealousy boosted a hundred times by the dope clouded his judgment. Otherwise he would’ve quickly understood that Manny, although being a player, truly loved his sister to the point of settling down marrying her and buying her a house. And i imagine that after this surprising of an event, he would’ve probably got used to it. Him being killed by Sosa was just one version of the inevitable. The most entertaining probably, but he was dead way before that. A financially successful dead man walking.
Tony died because nobody was really loyal to him and nobody in his squad didn’t really have the guts and I don’t give tony wrong for killing manny because that’s his brother/bestfriend and once your that close to each other your friends sister automatically becomes your sister too and it’s disgusting to date your bestfriend sister
One key momemt where Tony really messed up was with the legit banker and rejecting the raising of the rates to continue laundering his drug cash. If he could have just bit the bullet and went with the new program, he would have avoided the Seidelbaum/DEA bust altogether. On top of that his lack of trust in Manny to handle that deal himself further put him behind the 8 ball. Tony was too cheap and and paranoid to be successful in the long term. On top of that he felt he could buy his way out of ANY jail time even being caught with $1.3 million undeclared. The drug use, incestuous relationship with Gina, disrespect to Frank,etc were all contributing to his downfall but not staying with the legit bank was the 1st major mistake made. Anybody agree?
Al always plays in a movie where a character sees tragedy for a dumb reason. I think his sister deserves some blame. She knew how crazy he was. She should have just stayed away from Manny. I also find it odd that in the 80s there are guys around who don’t understand that some people don’t like collateral damage.
Why do people keep saying Tony wanted his sister? Tony just didn’t want her involved with guys like him that’s why he told his friend to stay away from her because he knew what kind of guy he was with women. Tony was high as fuck off coke and when his sister came in naked he was like “what the fuck are you doing”
Tony’s ruthlessness had a chink in it’s armor. When he put a bullet through Alberto’s head to prevent him from killing an innocent woman and her children, Tony revealed that even he had a limit on on who he would sacrifice to keep his freedom. His brief moment of humanity, though chivalrous, but at the same time self serving to his conscience, cost him everything. He also underestimated the repercussions of this failed hit. He thought he would get another chance with another Alberto to finish the contract not knowing it was a one attempt deal.
Bro, you got this movie all wrong. Tony, Warren, and him not to mess with his sister. He said to him straight out face-to-face she is not for you and I when I maniac tell you something like that you listen and he didn’t marry or even get involved with Frank’s woman until after he was dead, yeah, he liked her, but he never messed around until after he was dead. The single, biggest mistake Tony made was using his own product. That woman never did not one thing to affect Tony’s business at all. She didn’t go to the cops. She didn’t go to neither one of his other competitors. Only thing she did was leave him. She was loyal I mean she was a jerk, but she was loyal. In the movie everything bad that happened to Tony after he took over Frank’s business was because of Manny he got caught up with the undercover sting because of Manny pressuring him to deal with that FBI agent, forcing Tony to have to do that hit on that reporter to get out of that undercover sting situation, which ended up with Tony not wanting to blow up those kids and their mother just to get to that one man All because of Manny. Then Manny turns around after Tony warned him not to start sleeping with his sister after he knew how Tony felt about his sister. Manny was a dumb horny. Idiot did not know how to separate business from pleasure. Don’t ever sleep with your homeboys sister in that kind of work.
In my opinion I agree with the fact that it was ultimately his ego that was his downfall from the moment he decided to snake his boss right hand that’s where began to walk down a slippery slope if he only had been more patient and let frank hand him down all his secrets of the trade and connections he would’ve been golden frank was old Tony was in his early 30s franc most likely would’ve try to get out the game he still had hella time to accomplish things he yearned for all he had to do was take the backseat w his right hand manny and they would’ve ruled over the whole southern east coast for decades
Tony’s literary arch is predictable but fascinating. This movie is ultimately about Frank’s failure as a CEO. He should have had Tony whacked as soon as Tony started making moves on Elvira. The writing was on the wall: Tony was insatiable in his greed. Had Frank recognized this immediately and eliminated Tony, he would have kept his spot as a quiet capo making money and living large under the radar. Then again, that wouldn’t be much of a movie.
I feel like Tony’s demise was him being too power hungry and being high on his own supply he didn’t realize at the beginning because he was being distracted by the new life frank wanted to offer him instead of taking lessons from him to avoid stepping out of line and to make matters worse once he killed frank and married Elvira he started getting delusional towards anyone and getting gina involved to the point where I think he wants her for himself and killed his best friend, most bosses in real life retire once they have everything but tony didn’t do that instead him getting in touch with Sosa about his arrest was the turning point because well Sosa is cold and doesn’t care about weather there were kids in the car or not and tony realized that it’s too late to turn back once he failed to kill the guy that was making a speech,
Imagine if he had Manny and the 2 other guys by his side in the mansion shootout with his sister still alive hiding in the corner from the gunfire and she ends up shooting the sneaky shotgun guy while tony and his gang took out the guys downstairs. Tony, his gang and his sister lives and then there could’ve been a Scarface II movie of them going to Colombia to take out Sosa. That would’ve been dope
When Tony went to visit Sosa🤔😳🧐Sosa laid out a situation he was facing with powerful allies, & the solution they had conceived to resolve the matter…when Sosa finished, he asked Tony if there was a problem with the assassination plan to be carried out, Tony’s biggest mistake was to lie to Sosa & say(No Problem), then Tony failed to execute the solution as promised, just like John Kennedy, & Tony ultimately met the same fate🔫as President Kennedy..Tony couldn’t foresee that his toxic wife would turn out to become a Coked out junky🔥💯♍💎😷😎
All these things screwed him up but having a gust of conscience and not killing the rat he promised Sosa he would kill was the reason his home was invaded by multiple gunmen. He didn’t kill the informant because he was with his kids plus he killed the guy Sosa sent to oversee the hit. The stuff this article mentioned lead up to his demise but killing the guy Sosa sent instead of the informant was the last straw.
Tony was basically driving in the wrong lane his whole life. His absent father was the start of it. Tony’s desire to have kids is completely contradicted by his “career” choice. Him falling out with Sosa over the refusal to do the hit, it’s not like something else wasn’t going to come up. He fell in love with a barren coke addict, who he met because… guess who he’s surrounded by in his business? Those kids who’s lives he saved were the closest he’d get to having his own. It was never supposed to “go right”. He was basically doomed since the Rebenga hit. The music that plays when he dies is the same one that plays when Tony dies, along with the same camera arch shot angle. The sudden cut shot to Angel and the others getting their green cards or whatever, everything that happened from then on was basically a dream that didn’t happen. It may as well never did. He “destroys everything he touches”. Race is also a big part of the theme of the movie. Even in the criminal underworld, Tony can’t escape being treated unfairly, like an underclass.
But it’s also what surprising morals he has, he’s okay with being intimate with his sister and killing his friend, but He refused to blow up that anti drug politician since his wife and kids were in the car. That’s what really got him killed he failed sosa badly on that one. Even in the 2004 SCARFACE game which obviously isn’t canon or connected they have that detail that Tony will not kill woman or innocent people in general. He only killed people in the way or involved in the drug business
I think it was Tony uncontrollable temper/ego put him in a lot of detrimental situations. And also it was his downfall for not trusting anyone but himself! He clearly he the right banker, best friend, associates around he just never leaned on their opinion and trusted them. The Bible says it is wise to have wise counsel around you. (One’s own understanding isn’t enough to maintain success)
Tony’s downfall was he should’ve paid his banker the rate that was asked. Instead, because he was hardheaded and didn’t wanna pay the rate, he foolishly fell for that Seidelbaum’s attractive 4% rate. This icaused him to get arrested, having to go to Sosa and so on… That high bank rate looked very attractive after all that was said and done in the end…
There are 3 things Tony did wrong. 1) He got high on his own supply 2) He killed Manny (because he got high on his own supply) 3) He didn’t kill the kids (mainly because he was high on his own supply) If Tony hadn’t been such a degenerate, he would have been fine and probably would have even kept Elvira
Don’t need a article to understand where Tony went wrong was ignoring Frank’s first piece of advice. He told him to his face that those who want the flash & champagne don’t last. Frank wasn’t hurting for anything. He was successful. Tony wanted to carry money into the bank in duffle bags. Sosa was the by-product of Tony’s stubbornness to receive Frank’s warning
I disagree with a lot of this but agree with a lot as well. Everything said about Manny was correct, but what was said about Frank and Elvira, not so much. Tony never betrayed Frank, because Elvira was fair game. She made that clear. Tony remained loyal, but Frank tried stabbing him in the back due to jealousy. Omar being killed by Sosa would have happened had Tony not gone to Bolivia. His days were numbered for being a snitch. Tony’s downfall was really due to doing the right thing. He informed Sosa’s demolition guy, Alberto, that they were to kill the Bolivian and not his kids. Because he refused to let Alberto blow up the kids and shot Alberto in a fit of rage, Sosa ordered his demise. Of course, he would not have been in that situation had it not been for his greed concerning the banker. He sought out a second launderer and got stung by an undercover cop. Had he just listened to the banker concerning the laws of drug money supply and demand, or buried a huge cache in his very large backyard, he would never have been busted and therefore never put in a situation where he had to assist Sosa in blowing up two children. Come to think of it, he could have requested Sosa’s assistance in hiding the money. Sosa could have set him up with the Cayman Islands, probably, and Tony could have bought a bunch of islands, built some airstrips, and become a shipping magnate, then launder his own money without a banker
1. Killing n crime in cuba 2. Killing man to get green card 3. Having his eyes on the bosses lady 4. That french phrase, going too fast 5. Becoming a hasa 6.doing deals without franks consent 7.taking franks wife 8. Not killing that mom n her kids with the target 9.becoming a junkie 10. Killing monolo 11.beinint high as f in the final showdown 12. Not opening the door 4 chichi 13. Not looking behind himself when getting shot up
Sosa said it best…… don’t you ever fck me Tony … and that’s what he did . By 1 not completing the job that was gonna keep him out of jail and 2 killing sosa hit man. even doe sosa did the same shit with Omar it didn’t matter. I’ve always found that situation kind of odd because the movie never confirms that Omar was a informant kind of sloppy writing if you ask me . when the movie gets remade they have to go deeper into that in a way frank had all the reason to feel the way he felt but the Diaz brothers couldn’t finish the job
4:10 – That’s where i happen to agree with Tony, Frank was weak because he didn’t see the benifit or Omar being out of the situation. If i was a drug-lord and told i had a spy in my network, i would be all over that. Frank, on the other hand, gets pissed about it. Frank invited weaknes into his circle, i see why Tony elimiated him. It’s like having a lazy/inefficient employee. You get rid of them, @#$% their “idea” (notice i used the word ‘idea’) of rights. You don’t pay them to have their special rights outside of understood boundaries. You pay them to get the job done within acceptable boundaries. For all Tony was, at that part he was being a stabalizing/efficient employee. So, on the Omar situation, i’m with Tony and let’s not forget, Frank’s ignorance/huberis caused him to try to kill Tony. Tony cleared the field. “If” i was that person, on that ONE point, i would have done the same. Tony was eliminating a problem that was trying to eliminate him. That’s efficency/stabalization. And let me be honest, dirty cops, i despise them. Once they cross the line, to me, they’re not “police” anymore. I don’t begrudge Tony for doing what he did there either. I would have done it differently but balls sometimes cloud logic “if” i were that kind of person. Tony made the one fatal flaw that “smart” dealers say never to do. “Never get high on your own supply” and Cocaine tends to make people think they’re invincible and enhances personalities as it degrades their brains. That’s made Tony a betrayer and betrayers, eventually, get theirs.
Montana’s mistake was when he whacked a Salsa breath associate, which caused Salsa to send up a hit squad. Another mistake was killing Manny. The biggest mistake was not kicking that druggie old lady of his to the curb. #1. By not killing Manny, his sister would have been with a man that respected and loved her. 2. If he wouldn’t have killed a Salsa breath associate he would have gotten out of his money laundering charge, and 3. By kicking that druggie Elvira to the curb, he could have gotten a clean woman to have his grease ball kids.
The downfall of Tony was simple . His best friend betrayal and being a lazy drug lord. Once he got the girl, money and power, he became comfortable in not looking over his shoulder. The betrayal started with manny not being thorough as the head of security. He also recommended the Jewish money launders who turn out to be cops. Then he secretly dated and married his little sister after Tony specifically told himself not to . He meets with Sosa and becomes an errand boy sort to speak, instead of sending his goons to take care of Sosa problem. He calls manny and he doesn’t even answer or do what he asked. His guards got the short end because you pay them to be alert and the cameras was useless to an extent. He would survive if the Coke wasn’t in mountain form
Classic? That’s arguable. Iconic is, I think, a better term. Pacino’s titanic overacting is legendary as well it should be. It shows his deterioration from the achievements of the godfather movies and Dog Day Afternoon. Regardless,it’s stylish. It looks great. The script’s reach exceeds its grasp, attempting to make it a kind of Greek tragedy. It’s one of DePalma’s best films.
Not condoning Manny’s death – but in the beginning Montana did clearly warn Manny to stay away from her, and gave him the “I will f—ing kill you” look. I am wondering why Manny and Gina both did not foresee some reaction from Tony if they wed in secret…. I mean they both knew he wouldn’t approve. I think a more ironic twist to the story could be Manny being the one to pull a hit on Tony, marrying Gina, then becoming the next partner for Sosa.
How it went wrong for Tony? Dude the whole entire movie is how it went wrong for Tony. He was making all the wrong moves from the beginning. The whole movie is just full of bad decisions by Tony. He was all balls and no brains and was never going to last the way he tried to bully himself into the game. He was disrespectful right off the bat to everyone he met in the drug game. He never had a shot with the way he was moving. His run would have always been temporary.
He made some careless moves. But remember that he also had that touch of humanity. And that touch of humanity was when he refused to kill the target that sosa set for him because that person had a wife and two.kids. no matter how ruthless he was, he had that empathy in him not to kill women and children. of course Sosa didn’t care about that as long as he achieved his goals by killing his target, to Sosa the targets wife and kids were collateral damages but not to Montana.
I feel that you FAIL to mention that Tony Montana character became a TRAITOR who essentially betrays everyone… you do sort of mention this but without the emphasis on the word traitor or betrayer even when you do show the scenes… in fact the Tony Montana character should pretty much have scarlet letters of “Traitor” for every time he shows up in a youtube article about him because that is what this character does and in a way he kinda does this as soon as possible or as soon as he gets away with it and is no different from say, Anakin Skywalker… hilariously enough. Also even if Tony’s sister and best friend would have tried to surprise him with wedding rings or an invitation to the wedding ceremony, it’s unlikely that Tony Montana wouldn’t lose his mind even though logic dictates that they are coming together in holy matrimony unless it’s him or when he does things cause that is another character flaw on him… he steals his boss’s girl junkie train wreck and sees nothing wrong with it and basically wants to turn her into a nun like his holy mother.
Tony’s relationship with Manny is the heart and tragedy of the movie, and their decaying friendship reflects the downward spiral of all his other relationships: his betrayal to Frank, disrespect to Gina and failing marriage with Elvira, which all brought down his empire. In essence, Manny was the one who got Tony a fresh start in Miami by receiving the Rebenga hit that got them green cards and the connection to Frank and the business, but throughout the whole movie, Tony kept stepping over Manny like his subordinate rather than respecting him as an equal. The other irony was Tony’s refusal to carry out the hit on that family for Sosa, which was really his only redeemable value in the movie, but that also sealed his doom and for those closest to him…except Elvira who got out before the hellfire rained down on the House of Montana.
I enjoyed the PS2 sequel tae Scarface. One thing I loved, in that great game was something that was pretty minor. You cannot kill innocent people. Tony can take out his gun, aim it at a civilian, but when you pull the trigger, he instead puts the gun away and says things like, “Get your fucking head straight Tony”. It was 100% in character for him! Also, Jaws has a cameo in it.
frank gave tony two words of advice at the beginning of the movie: never underestimate the power of greed, and never consume your own product. by the end, we see tony’s judgement slipping exponentially due to his addiction to cocaine, and his greed driving him into a bad business deal that results in his money laundering scheme being caught.
Scarface is one of the great modern tragedies, the rise and fall of a flawed, charismatic bastard who ultimately destroys himself with his own ambition. That, Death Note, and Breaking Bad are the trifecta. Shakespeare would love this shit. Speaking of which, how about a article on Light Yagami from Death Note? He’s an endlessly fascinating villain protagonist.
I am going to say this, as a writer I often look to your articles for ideas. Understanding learning about villains (even if I disagree with you from time to time) is a good refresher of the basics. Seriously, when I am in a writing slump, these articles help a lot. Probably the single best article has to be the gingerbread man. Cheers and keep up the great work (btw been a fan since first article) \\
off topic but Chi Chi is my favorite character in this wonderfully put-together film. he’s a likeable dude who’s there to back up his buddies and be a team player no matter the cost. I love the scene where they walk over to see the tiger. look how excited he is. Ángel Salazar played that part uber well.
His evil was what he adopted to survive in that world. I never thought he was evil per se just blinded by his ambition. Like you said once he had obtained everything he was unhappy and miserable. I think the whole ending was his self destruction due to his disillusionment of success. He made it the way he wanted to and he finished the way he wanted to, in a hail of gunfire. We should all hope to live our life as authentic as Tony did!
12:42 This is actually something many people don’t consider when they set out to get rich and powerful very fast. Fast money comes with slow problems, and climbing to success is one thing, but managing and maintaining it is another. Many aren’t equipped to handle those levels of power and money, and it’s why they lose everything eventually.
Sosa would’ve been a good pick, too. Sosa’s respect for honesty clouded his judgement of someone’s character overall, banking to much on honesty and nothing else. Tony was a hothead, and it isn’t very smart sending someone like that, especially when they the head of your Miami distribution, to do what barely qualifies as a somewhat low/mid-end political assassination. Sosa could very easily have been a Bond villain.
I find the details in dialogue fascinating. When Tony and Elvira are dancing at the Babylon Club he denies coming of a banana boat. When he was asked before at the interrogation if he had ever been at a mental hospital, he states “Yes, on the boat coming over.” Many times he is denying parts of his past making him look pretty torn, with questionable success as an only way out. Also Manolo`s blind dedication as a follower is portrayed in little lines every now and then. After meeting Omar and El Mono for their first job Tony tells Manonlo not to worry or he’s gonna have a heart attack. Just in the next scene in the car on the way to the deal at the beach Manolo already internalized this and repeats almost the exact line. Also some short bits make Tony look pretty uneducated, like in the tub confusing Flamingos for Pelicans. And when he is meeting Elvira by the pool he even admits that he has no education but “knows the streets”. This kind of self awareness he is only showing to Elvira. The whole movie is full of that subtle stuff, a true classic.
There was also a moment where he paused for an elderly person crossing the street IIRC. He could be kind.. when it suited him. As for a future analysis, I’d appreciate Daniel Day Lewis as Bill the Butcher from Gangs of New York. The man was brutal but commanded respect as even he respected his enemies. He admired the priest who game him a beating earlier in life (he called him a great man for doing it). He taught Leo’s character various qualities and values. When the challenge at the end is issues, he simply says challenge accepted like a sigh of relief, as if it’s what he’s always wanted and was waiting for. Even when they’re discussing the term of battle and Leo’s character says no guns in the coming fight, Bill expresses admiration for the choice. Truly, Bill the Butcher probably ranks in my all time top 5 best villains in movie history.
True story: after perusal this film as a young boy, one day my pops told me to clean my room and mop the floor in the living room. I told him “You know what’s a hassa Manolo?” And his response was “It’s a son who gets his ass whooped because he’s not obeying his father” at that moment I knew I fucked up