Scarface

Definition

Scarface refers to the 1932 film directed by Howard Hawks that tells the story of Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster who rises to power during the Prohibition era in Chicago. The film is notorious for its depiction of violence and organized crime, ultimately becoming a notable case in the history of censorship and film regulation due to its controversial content and portrayal of criminality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scarface was one of the first films to showcase the gangster genre and set a precedent for future films that would explore similar themes.
2. The film faced significant backlash from censorship boards, particularly for its violent content and portrayal of organized crime as glamorous.
3. Despite its initial mixed reviews, Scarface has since been recognized as a classic and has influenced numerous filmmakers and films in the crime genre.
4. Howard Hawks used innovative cinematic techniques in Scarface, including dramatic lighting and fast-paced editing to enhance the story's tension.
5. The film was based loosely on the life of infamous gangster Al Capone, with its tagline famously stating 'The World is Yours.'

Review Questions

• How did Scarface influence the portrayal of gangsters in American cinema, and what techniques did Howard Hawks use to convey this?
  • Scarface significantly shaped the portrayal of gangsters in American cinema by introducing audiences to a more complex and morally ambiguous protagonist. Howard Hawks utilized innovative techniques such as dramatic lighting and fast-paced editing to create tension and highlight the violence inherent in the gangster lifestyle. This film set a standard for how gangsters would be depicted in later movies, emphasizing their ruthlessness while simultaneously drawing viewers into their world.
• In what ways did Scarface challenge censorship norms of its time, and what were some outcomes of this controversy?
  • Scarface challenged censorship norms by pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in film regarding violence and crime. The film's graphic depiction of gang violence led to significant scrutiny from censorship boards, which ultimately resulted in cuts to certain scenes before it could be released. This controversy sparked discussions about the role of censorship in art and laid the groundwork for future films that would confront similar issues.
• Evaluate how Scarface reflects societal attitudes towards crime and morality during the Prohibition era, considering its impact on later film narratives.
  • Scarface reflects societal attitudes towards crime during the Prohibition era by romanticizing the gangster lifestyle while simultaneously exposing its brutal consequences. The film portrays Tony Camonte's rise and fall as both cautionary and aspirational, encapsulating a complex relationship with morality. This duality has influenced later narratives in cinema, prompting filmmakers to explore themes of criminality with greater depth and nuance, ultimately shaping how audiences engage with stories about crime.

Related terms

Prohibition: A nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful by authorities.

Film Noir: A cinematic genre characterized by its moral ambiguity, complex characters, and themes of crime, which gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s.