The Poster Memorabilia blog

The Legend of Al Pacino as Tony Montana

Thirty-five years of Tony Montana, one Beacon Theatre reunion, and an idol who signed.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

Decades after Scarface went to theaters in 1983, Al Pacino is still an absolute gangster. Maybe this is why he excels in those types of roles. There’s no denying his talent, but when he plays gangsters, he blows everyone out of the water. No one even comes close.

So when the cast reunited for the film's 35th anniversary screening at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018, I just had to be there. Who knows if they were ever gonna do that again? I needed to see these legends in person at least once. And I’m happy Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Steven Bauer are still alive and kicking today, but I didn't know that back then.

The tickets were pricey, but well worth every cent. There they were, looking better than ever. Pfeiffer was still an absolute babe, and Bauer didn't change much, just grew older. However, my eyes were glued to Al Pacino.

I can't tell you how much that moment meant to me. Al Pacino is my idol. He's my favorite actor, and for a while, I tried to be one because of him. I never made it, but I don't regret anything. I may not have gone on to work in films, but I still loved them.

What's funny is that he looked like a mafia don when he stepped out on stage. He wore a black suit with a cream scarf hanging from his neck. Instead of Tony Montana, he looked more like Michael Corleone, maybe even a bit of Vito, if he were alive in 2018.

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It was amazing listening to him and the others talk about making the film. The movie was actually panned by many critics when it came out, and Pacino said as much. But despite that, it was clear the film had a special place in his life. He still talked about it somewhat affectionately, clearly proud of the cult classic it has since become.

As I learned about Al Pacino over the years, his performance as Tony Montana continues to stand out to me as such a gangster move. Not only was it a departure from the kind of acting he's known for, but he also dialed it up to a 1000, essentially giving the first male camp performance in the New Hollywood era.

“Pacino and Tony couldn't be more different, and witnessing that contrast in real life left me speechless.”

When I finally met him that night, I saw the stark difference between the actor and the role. Pacino and Tony couldn't be more different, and witnessing that contrast in real life left me speechless.

He was even so nice to me when I asked him to sign my Scarface poster. All three of them were, as was director Brian De Palma. I found it funny that the people who made one of the most violent movies ever were actually really pleasant. It was another great contrast to see.

To this day, I still consider Al Pacino the “don” of film actors. He's the best of the best, way above Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michael Douglas for me. I still feel honored to have been in the same room as him that night. Not to mention getting his autograph.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

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