Scarface

An ambitious and nearly insane violent gangster climbs the ladder of success in the mob, but his weaknesses prove to be his downfall.

Why it stayed with me

I keep it as a rise-and-fall story where style gradually turns into humiliation. The glamour is temporary; the weaknesses are permanent.

Key points

• Ambition without restraint becomes self-destruction.
• Gangster mythology works because it seduces before it punishes.
• The fall matters more than the ascent.

Film details

• Director: Howard Hawks, Richard Rosson
• Year: 1932
• Genres: Action, Crime, Drama
• Runtime: 93 min
• Personal rating: 6/10
• IMDb: tt0023427

Cast notes

Main cast: Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Karen Morley.