Scarface: The Ultimate Guide

Book excerpt: 'Scarface' is a powerful, stylized commentary on violence, materialism, excess, corruption and crime in America. Set during the drug-driven decadence of Miami in the 1980's, it is a rags to riches story about the rise and fall of an illegal immigrant from dishwasher to narcotics kingpin who is undone by greed and delusions of grandeur triggered by cocaine psychosis. It is both thrilling entertainment and a wicked, nightmarish parody of the American dream. 'Scarface: The Ultimate Guide' places the movie in its historical context and examines its origins, development, production, release, critical reception and current status in the culture. The highlight of the book is a detailed analysis of the movie from first frame to FADE OUT. ""Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi. Get the yeyo.""