Two Entries On The “Best Gangster Films Of All Time” List Belong To The Same Movie

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When people talk about the best gangster movies, the same titles usually come up. The Godfather is almost always at the top of the list, with films like Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, The Departed, and Pulp Fiction also frequently mentioned. Scarface is another popular choice – it tells the story of a small criminal who quickly gains power, only to fall just as spectacularly as he rose.

The story of Scarface began as a novel in 1930, inspired by the life of gangster Al Capone. It was first adapted into a film in 1932 by Howard Hawks, starring Paul Muni as Tony Camonte. Later, in the 1980s, Brian De Palma remade the movie with Al Pacino playing the lead role, Tony Montana.

Most people consider the 1983 film when they think of the greatest gangster movies. Al Pacino’s portrayal of Tony Montana is the iconic image that immediately comes to mind when the name “Scarface” is mentioned. However, both versions of Scarface are actually worthy of being considered classics.

The Original 1932 Scarface Is As Good As The Remake, If Not Better

The original Scarface from 1932 is very different from the later film by Brian De Palma. Though it caused controversy when it first came out, it seems quite tame now – less violent than even a Scooby-Doo episode. Because of this, Paul Muni’s portrayal of Tony Camonte depends more on his attitude and facial expressions to create a sense of threat.

The social restrictions of the 1930s made the original Scarface more clever, understated, and suspenseful than the remake. This creates a compelling look at a man driven by a desire for wealth and power, but ultimately destroyed by his own self-doubt. Scarface‘s emphasis on a character’s ego influenced later iconic figures like Tommy DeVito and Michael Corleone, and significantly changed how gangster stories were told.

The bond between Tony and his sister is important in both versions of Scarface, but the original film portrays it more effectively. Ann Dvorak delivers a standout performance as Francesca Camonte, and the harsh setting of the 1930s makes her feel like a fully developed character struggling alongside Tony. Her final choice to support her brother, even facing danger together, beautifully shows their strong and enduring connection. In contrast, Gina, Tony’s sister in the 1980s remake, isn’t given the same depth or development.

Brian De Palma’s Scarface is known for being flashy and over-the-top, while Howard Hawks’ original is darker, more intense, and subtly threatening. Both films are good, but the more atmospheric version possesses a unique appeal that really captures the spirit and ideas of the story.

Al Pacino’s Scarface Is Still An All-Time Great Gangster Movie

Both the original 1932 film Scarface and the 1980s remake are excellent in their own ways. The remake doesn’t diminish the first film’s qualities; instead, its vibrant colors, Miami setting, and focus on wealth actually enhance the story’s core theme of overindulgence, updating it for a modern audience while remaining true to the original’s spirit.

While Al Pacino’s portrayal might not have the same subtlety as Paul Muni’s or even some of his earlier roles in films like The Godfather and Donnie Brasco, his explosive performance as Tony Montana is still a captivating character. The restrained intensity of the 1932 version is traded for a wild, unrestrained energy that consumes everything around him. It’s still a story about a character’s downfall, but this version focuses much more on the destructive aspects of that fall.

The violence in the film is raw and impactful, and though occasionally extreme, it effectively illustrates the harsh world Tony Montana enters and the lengths he’ll go to succeed. From daring helicopter stunts to gruesome deaths, Scarface doesn’t shy away from shocking moments, but it always presents them with purpose.

While the 1932 film Scarface had a stronger portrayal of Tony’s sister, the 1980s remake features a more compelling romantic partner. The original film’s Poppy was underdeveloped, simply existing as a woman for Tony to win over. In contrast, Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, Elvira, was completely reimagined, given her own sense of right and wrong and a significant storyline about her struggles with addiction.

There’s no clear winner when it comes to deciding which version of Scarface is the better gangster film. Luckily, it’s easy to say that both movies are among the greatest in the genre.

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2025-12-25 19:31