Scarface is one of the definitive rise-and-fall gangster stories that have stood the test of time translating effortlessly between two different eras. In 1932 original, director Howard Hawks addressed the iconic gangsters of the day through the tale of Antonio Camonte, pushing boundaries in what was allowed in big-screen films. Then came Brian DePalma’s 1983 iteration of Scarface, which captured the flashy 80’s drug scene through Al Pacino’s swaggering presence as Tony Montana. While rumors have swirled about another potential Scarface remake (Antonie Fuqua was originally tapped to direct), the project never quite materialized. That is until now, except with a new director on board.
According to Variety, Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino has been selected to adapt Scarface to the modern era. Guadagnino will be working with a screenplay worked on by Joel and Ethan Cohen, although it’s unknown whether the new director will pushing the script in a new direction. While many sigh at the notion of another Scarface, I think the project has a lot of promise conceptually.
Like the first two iterations of this story, Guadagnino has the opportunity to modernize its timeless narrative, dealing with the zeitgeist of today (the war on drugs being a good example). I am very interested in seeing who the new director tasks with the central role, as it requires an actor of great stature and swagger to make the part their own.
Luca Guadagnino’s name may not mean much to mainstream audiences, but the director is one of the most distinct auteurs working currently. After receiving major awards attention for the emotionally-moving Call Me By Your Name, Guadagnino gave audiences a masterful re-imagining of Suspira, already proving he can craft an innovative re-telling of an old classic. With Luca on board, I have a lot of faith in this remake living up to its lofty expectations.
Are you excited for the new Scarface? Let us know in the comments!