Some SCARFACE plot/narrative quibbles (SPOILERS)

[Lex M]

I know there've been a few threads about the actual DVD of SCARFACE lately, but since this applies to specific plot points and will be spoiler heavy, I wanted to start a thread for some observations I've just now made after 20 years of viewings of the film. Again, SPOILERS for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but since the film's on everyone's mind lately, here are some quibbles that I've somehow overlooked for 40-odd viewings...

As great as Tony's murder of Lopez (Robert Loggia) scene is, ever stop to ponder that it makes very little sense? Remember, Lopez's assassins fail to kill Tony at the Babylon club, then Tony and Manny essentially WALTZ INTO Frank's headquarters to kill him. How did they even know Frank Lopez would be there? And Bernstein, the crooked cop, is there too? What are the chances? And again, Frank had no security at Lopez Motors?

Sosa's political friends are going to help Tony IF he goes along with his assassin in NY? Because Tony, a multimillionaire drug dealer at this point, is the only one who can translate for the assassin? It does provide for that knock-out DePalma set piece in NY, and I like the hints of political complicity in Stone's script here, but it's a pretty flimsy device to get Tony into the car with the bomber.

This isn't a real goof or nitpick, but narratively there are some weaknesses in terms of what exactly Tony and Manny are doing for a living, particularly once Lopez fires Tony (offscreen...Tony tells Michelle Pfieffer he isn't working for Frank anymore.) We're to believe that Tony's out hustling and turning into quite the kingpin on his own, but we're shown no details of this.

Obviously the Pfieffer character is a golddigger, but her transfer from Frank to Tony seems much more shallow than ever. I actually think Pfieffer is terrific in the film, but basically having Tony show up in the middle of the night and declare, "You're with me now" seems less convincing than it even did in 1983.

Those are just a couple. The movie's still a classic, but it's amazing that it took so many viewings to register such gaping holes.

Anyone have any more?

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Lex M

Sosa's political friends are going to help Tony IF he goes along with his assassin in NY? Because Tony, a multimillionaire drug dealer at this point, is the only one who can translate for the assassin? It does provide for that knock-out DePalma set piece in NY, and I like the hints of political complicity in Stone's script here, but it's a pretty flimsy device to get Tony into the car with the bomber.

I don't think Tony's involvement was only for translation purposes as Tony would have the "power" to get the assassin anything he needed to accomplish his goal. Of course, this doesn't cover any need for Tony to be present during the assassination attempt.

Peace...

[DonnachaOne]

Sosa trusted Tony, and felt he was one of the few friends he had in America that could ensure the succes of the mission.

"I like you, Tony... there is no lying in you."

[Riedenschneider]

Originally Posted by Lex M

... Lopez's assassins fail to kill Tony at the Babylon club, then Tony and Manny essentially WALTZ INTO Frank's headquarters to kill him.

Yep, 'cause Frank thinks Tony is dead for sure. Look how dumbfounded he his when he sees him (alive).

How did they even know Frank Lopez would be there?

Why shouldn't Frank be at his office?

And Bernstein, the crooked cop, is there too?

Cuban luck.

What are the chances?

Movie-chances are always pretty good.

And again, Frank had no security at Lopez Motors?

Again, Frank thinks Tony is dead for sure.

Sosa's political friends are going to help Tony IF he goes along with his assassin in NY? Because Tony, a multimillionaire drug dealer at this point, is the only one who can translate for the assassin?

Like DonnachaOne said.

it's a pretty flimsy device to get Tony into the car with the bomber.

Tony is always in the shit and pretty pedantic (money counting scene) and he obviously has no reason to trust Frank's killer.

This isn't a real goof or nitpick, but narratively there are some weaknesses in terms of what exactly Tony and Manny are doing for a living, particularly once Lopez fires Tony (offscreen...Tony tells Michelle Pfieffer he isn't working for Frank anymore.) We're to believe that Tony's out hustling and turning into quite the kingpin on his own, but we're shown no details of this.

I believe it! And the movie is already three hours long.

Pfieffer is terrific in the film, but basically having Tony show up in the middle of the night and declare, "You're with me now" seems less convincing than it even did in 1983.

Worked with my girlfriend.

Anyone have any more?

http://www.moviemistakes.com/film1888

[Wilson]

Originally Posted by Lex M

This isn't a real goof or nitpick, but narratively there are some weaknesses in terms of what exactly Tony and Manny are doing for a living, particularly once Lopez fires Tony (offscreen...Tony tells Michelle Pfieffer he isn't working for Frank anymore.) We're to believe that Tony's out hustling and turning into quite the kingpin on his own, but we're shown no details of this.

I think Tony impressed Sousa and took over from Frank. Also I think Sousa already had his doubts about Frank because he was associated with Omar who was, if I recall correctly, a known rat.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Riedenschneider

Why shouldn't Frank be at his office?

I guess Frank would still be at the office to hear back about the success of Tony's assassination. That's why Tony had his guy call Frank at 3:00 am. Tony was at the club late at night, so I guess that makes sense.

Peace...