First, let me say that there is a graphic novel prequel for the Al Pacino Scarface which was released in 2007. Yes, I know that the 90's Pacino flick was itself a remake of the 1932 Howard Hughes, Boris Karloff flick. But whatever, damn it! Scarface IS Tony Montana. This is a travesty. Here's what
Deadline reported a few moments ago:
Universal Pictures is developing a new version of Scarface, the title first released in 1932 and then turned into the iconic 1983 film that starred Al Pacino as Cuban gangster Tony Montana. I’d heard that the studio has been meeting writers to script a take for a film that will be produced by Marc Shmuger and Martin Bregman. Bregman produced the Pacino version.
The Reported Synopsis:The film is not intended to be a remake or a sequel. It will take the common elements of the first two films: an outsider, an immigrant, barges his way into the criminal establishment in pursuit of a twisted version of the American dream, becoming a kingpin through a campaign of ruthlessness and violent ambition. The studio is keeping the specifics of where the new Tony character comes from under wraps at the moment, but ethnicity and geography were important in the first two versions.
Seriously? It's not a reboot or a remake yet it follows the exact same formula as the Pacino version? Well, what the hell is it then cause it sure sounds like a remake/reboot to me. What does this say about the current state of film making in Tinsletown?
Earlier today, I saw a report from
NYMAG that stated that 1 in 3 films next year will be based on unoriginal material. What has happened to originality and creativity? Is it financial fears keeping Hollywood purse-string holders from giving the go-ahead for new concepts? I'm honestly baffled here.
Everything great about America stems from ingenuity and there are few better illustrations of this notion than classic American films like Scarface, The Godfather, The Wizard of Oz, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Blade Runner, Alien, and the list can go on forever. But look at the movies I named and all of them are in various stages of being remade. And it's not like the general populace looks forward to these things. Most of the audience probably goes into these movies looking to "rag" on the movie and usually come away with plenty of fodder for the cannon. Well, I for one am sick of this nonsense. I demand originality and creativity from my films how bout you?
Scarface is a 1983 American epic crime drama movie directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone, produced by Martin Bregman and starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana. A contemporary remake of Howard Hawks' original 1932 film of the same name, the film tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who comes to Miami in 1980 as a result of the Mariel Boatlift, and becomes a drug cartel kingpin during the cocaine boom of the 1980s. The movie chronicles his rise to the top of Miami's cocaine empire.
The film is dedicated to Howard Hawks and Ben Hecht, the director and principal screenwriter of the original 1932 film, respectively.
The initial critical response to Scarface was mixed, with the film receiving criticism for its violence and graphic language. The film was widely criticized by the Cuban community in Miami, who objected to various aspects of the film, and the fact Cubans in it were compared with criminals and drug traffickers.
The film has since gathered a cult following and has become an important cultural icon.
Find me on Twitter: @All_Thats_Bueno
Graphic City
About The Author:
CBM writer for a decade+.
Follow MarkJulian on:
