Scarface (USA, 1932)

Controversial producer Howard Hughes, who was recently portrayed by DiCaprio in Scorsese’s latest film, the Aviator, was a controversial fellow back in the thirties. Scarface represents the first truly violent gangster film in American cinema, and that makes it a classic. Back in the days when beer was prohibited, Tony (Paul Muni), an “alcohol” dealer, makes tons of money and enemies along the way of becoming the king of all bars in the city (the name of the city is never revealed to the audience). He also meets the love of his life, and while trying to seduce her, he keeps a grip on his sister who is dating older and dangerous alcohol dealers. The political message is very strong. It denounces the government’s lack of control over the many beer mafia groups in the US at that time. The movie was made in 1930, but censorship prohibited its exhibition until 1932. Albeit the good interpretations and plot, the movie never received any prize (nor any nomination for that matter). Scarface was definitely a film ahead of its time, a breakthrough in gangster movies