Analytical review of a The movie scarface - Essay Example

The dark ending was a cautionary tale about the pursuit of power and the misuse of it. Scarface is an experience in film that provides cultural reflection through an exploration of the themes. Watching the film Scarface is an experience that is powerful and has the successful impact of a modern day dark fairytale. The cautionary tale that is told through this allegorical storyline is that of chasing the American dream and of the consequences of chasing it at all costs. The film itself has become a part of American culture.

One of the most quoted lines from a film coming from this movie as Pacino levels his weapon and is remembered for having said “Say hello to my little friend!” (Scarface). However, the line that more likely sums up the film, also said by Pacino is “In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women’ (Scarface). The focus of the film, however, is not on women, but on the power. The film is based upon the acquisition of power, a belief by the main characters that power is the resource from which all other advantages can be gained.

The film used a great number of techniques that helped to punctuate the meanings of the storyline. In watching the film, the angles of the camera distinctly provide context for the meanings of the scenes. As an example, in a scene where Pacino is being interrogated, the camera is used at an eye-level shot, the other characters walking around the seated Pacino as the camera is directly focused on him. As Pacino is engaged by the camera, the shot directed at him, it is clear that the other members of the scene are above him in importance, but not equal to him.

The combination of the shot with the way in which the scene is acted makes it clear that no other level can match the level at which Pacino’s character sits. The zoom in and zoom out shots are also used to create this feeling, coming in on Tony’s face to put him in the center of the action where needed. Coming in close on Tony’s face during an important scene such as the one in the mansion, allows for the film to continue the position of Tony as the center of the universe within the film.

A great number of the scenes are shot at a medium shot level, the setting being as important as the interactions of the characters. Many of the scenes are done in ensemble medium shots so that all of the members of the scene are available to the scene, but close enough to measure their reactions to one another. This technique is very effective in translating the state of Tony’s existence, his life larger and filled with the trappings of his success. In shooting from a medium distance, the scene presents more than just facial expression, but captures the way in which the body language interprets the dialogue.

As well, in the famous scene with the gun in which the iconic quote “Say hello to my little friend” is uttered, the medium shot is used to focus on Tony so that his body language and facial expressions are clearly interpreted. Most of the film is done in low key lighting, the differences between the shadows and the light stark and well defined. This use of light allows for the intensity of the film to be translated through the visual impact of harsh lighting that is in high contrast.