Luca Guadagnino, who is helming the latest remake of Scarface, is determined to make a hard R-rated movie that will shock audiences. The 1982 version, directed by Brian DePalma, starred Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who quickly becomes the most powerful criminal in Miami. Scarface also starred Michelle Pfeiffer in a star-making turn as Montana's girlfriend turned reluctant trophy wife. Written by Oliver Stone, it was a blood-soaked, violent and shocking remake of the 1932 Howard Hawks film, and caused controversy upon its release.
Despite this, the movie was a box office success and has since become a pop-culture staple. It's been parodied in countless movies, music videos, and even video games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which features a climactic battle that copies the movie's iconic final scene almost exactly. A remake, written by Joel and Ethan Coen, is currently in development, to be helmed by Luca Guadagnino. The Italian director is best known for his adaptation of Call Me By Your Name and the 2018 remake of classic horror Suspiria.
Speaking to BadTaste.It, Guadagnino has revealed that he is intent on making the remake as shocking as DePalma's 1982 version was upon release. Calling the character of Tony Montana an "archetype," Guadagnino says that evil characters like him are a "symptom" of the immigrant's need to achieve the American Dream. The director adds that his film will be a hard R-rated movie and that the script, which he calls great, is one that will lead to a film that is "shocking."
The truth is that I’m interested in the Tony Montana character. He’s a symptom of the American Dream. And I think that these movies are made for their times. My own Scarface will arrive 40 years after the previous one. I think the important thing about these movies is not the fact that they’re lush and fundamental like Brian De Palma’s one. The important thing is knowing that Tony Montana is an archetypal character. The important things are A. It has to be well done, the script has to be great – and it is. B. Our Tony Montana has to be current. I don’t want to imitate anything. C. This movie has to be shocking. I told you about Suspiria and I kept the promise to you then. I think I will surprise you with this movie too. Brian De Palma’s movie was Rated R, so I want a big R on my movie too.
The Italian director seems to love courting controversy with his movies and certainly seems suited to directing Scarface. Just how shocking the film will be (and why) will have to be seen when the long-in-development movie is eventually released. But given that the Coen brothers, who are not known for shying away from realistic depictions of violence in their movies, are writing the script, fans can expect this remake not to hold back.
Whether it will be able to live up to comparisons with the 1983 films is less clear. After launching to controversy, DePalma's Scarface has been immortalized thanks, in part, to various rap star's love of its tale that seems to glorify doing anything to achieve the American Dream. As a result, it's become a sort of movie legend, something larger than itself, and as such, it is held up by many fans as perfect, despite its faults. Whether this version will be able to create as much regard remains to be seen.
Source: BadTaste.it