While watching the film Scarface, it is apparent that the main character, Tony, has no respect for the law. The use of sarcastic humor is a common thread throughout the entire film. Tony's mocking and disrespectful behavior comes off as comedic. For example, when he first gets released from jail he lights a match off of a policeman's badge. Although the cop punches him, it shows that he has no fear of the consequences of his actions. His manner allows the audience to like and admire him, despite his criminal behavior.
The idea that this occurs, the love for a criminal, is somewhat of a mockery to law enforcement and political figures. In the film, cops discuss how disgusting it is that the public view of criminals is so glorified. We can see that this is true from the ending of the film, when Tony dies outside in a shower of bulletts, I found myself wishing he would have lived. Although, at the time of the film, it was not appropriate to glorify crime or criminals, the film managed to do so without trying.
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You're right about how the film works, Saundra: we root for Tony at the end even after we've seen his disrespect for the law.
ReplyDeleteI always found this idea interesting; the celebration of criminals. To see them stick it to the man, and enjoy it. To live life untethered by laws, or common restrictive social necessities. I think this is a very American idea, the glorification of the criminal. Look at Jesse James, who killed seventeen men, many being civilians. But he also gave back to some, and didn't rob from preachers, or widows. And when he died he became as popular as the Taj Mahal, and the pyramids of Egypt. America likes their Robin Hoods I guess, and getting back at the law, which most have had a run in, in some way.
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