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Scarface (1983 film)

Scarface is a 1983 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Scarface is a 1983 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. It stars Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana, who rises to become a powerful drug lord in Miami. The film is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name and is now widely regarded as a gangster-film classic.

Plot

The film centers on Tony Montana’s rise from Cuban immigrant to Miami drug kingpin, followed by his violent downfall. Its story is set against the backdrop of the Mariel boatlift and the 1980s cocaine trade.

Production and release

Scarface was directed by Brian De Palma from a screenplay by Oliver Stone. It premiered in New York City on December 1, 1983, and was released in the United States on December 9, 1983.

Reception

The film drew criticism on release for its graphic violence and controversial portrayal of ethnicity and criminality. Over time, it was re-evaluated by critics and audiences and became a major cult film.

Legacy

Scarface has become one of the best-known gangster films of the 1980s and an enduring pop-culture reference point. Its portrayal of ambition, excess, and self-destruction has influenced later crime films and media.

Key facts

  • The film follows Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami during the Mariel boatlift and builds a cocaine empire.
  • It was directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone.
  • It is a remake of the 1932 film Scarface, which was itself based on Armitage Trail’s novel.
  • The film premiered in New York City on December 1, 1983, before its wider release by Universal Pictures.
  • Initial critical reaction was mixed to negative, largely because of its violence and depictions of stereotypes.
  • It later gained a large cult following and is now commonly treated as a landmark gangster film.
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Canadian context

Scarface has been widely distributed and discussed in Canada as part of mainstream North American film culture, and it is frequently referenced in Canadian media and popular culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who directed Scarface (1983 film)?
It was directed by Brian De Palma.
Who wrote Scarface (1983 film)?
The screenplay was written by Oliver Stone.
Who stars as Tony Montana?
Al Pacino plays Tony Montana.
Is Scarface (1983 film) a remake?
Yes. It is a remake of the 1932 film Scarface, which was based on Armitage Trail’s novel.
When was Scarface released?
It premiered on December 1, 1983, and was released in the United States on December 9, 1983.
How was the film received?
It was initially controversial and criticized, but later became highly influential and widely regarded as a classic gangster film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarface_(1983_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, release date, premise, remake status, box office, and reception.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scarface
    Supports: The film’s identity as Brian De Palma’s 1983 remake and its relationship to the earlier film.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086250/
    Supports: Film identification, director, cast, and remake information.
  4. The Movie Database — https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/111-scarface?language=en-US
    Supports: Plot summary involving Tony Montana and Miami drug trade.