Although Scarface turned out to be a classic, it wasn't as well-received early, given how over the top it was with violence for some. Not to mention, a scene that appeared to depict blatant drug use had viewers a bit miffed, but also intrigued. Nonetheless, Al Pacino's greatest hit would turn into an iconic film. According to some rumors, a sequel might even be upcoming (The Godfather Part 2 worked, why not Scarface?).
If the rumors are true, they're noteworthy; Al Pacino even turned down an opportunity to work with Keanu Reeves multiple times. He obviously wouldn't return for a Scarface sequel unless the project really spoke to him. Yet Al might be a bit more cautious about Scarface part two. After all, shooting certain scenes for the Scarface film might've destroyed his nose for good. Once the film was complete, he struggled with his nose and would later reveal that it hasn't been the same since. Fortunately for Al Pacino, he didn't have to do hard drugs for the film, but he did have to take some health and safety risks.
Updated January 24th, 2023: This article has been updated with new images, links, and more information on Pacino's time working on Scarface.
The Scarface Substance Scene Had Deeper Meaning
Ah yes, who can forget that iconic Scarface scene, one that might've changed Al Pacino's career forever? It will live in history as one of the more iconic scenes, as the mountain of illicit substances stands in front of him.
However, as it turns out, there was a deeper meaning to the iconic scenes as it all started will the film's screenplay director, Oliver Stone.
The man behind the scenes had his own personal battle with the drug. As he mentioned alongside Independent, the film was his redemption story against the drug that almost ruined his life.
“I was a cocaine addict for about two-and-a-half years prior to writing Scarface, I knew that world, the drug world of the early ‘80s very well.”
“Cocaine had screwed me so much,” he recalled. “It had taken so much of my money that now I needed to take my revenge and so I wrote Scarface. In the past, I’ve talked about Scarface as being a farewell love letter to cocaine, but it’s really me taking my revenge on the drug.”
Stone came out on top, however, things weren't so smooth for the star of the film, Al Pacino when shooting the scenes.
Did Al Pacino Use Real Drugs During Scarface?
Despite the rumors that Al Pacino was using real white powder during the film, it has been stated that it wasn't; instead, the scene reportedly involved powdered milk. Nonetheless, it would create problems for the iconic actor down the road, as he would admit that his nose was never the same again after shooting the film.
We can only imagine how he must've felt, sticking powdered milk up there. Clearly, it was a price he had to pay but surely, not even the icon could've predicted the lasting effect it would have.
"For years after, I have had things up in there," Pacino said in 2015. "I don't know what happened to my nose, but it's changed."
Pacino would further state that his breathing also transformed and was never the same again. Yet fans will say that the sacrifice was all worth it as the film became legendary.
Scarface Turned Into A Classic
Scarface's influence can still be felt to this very day, but during the film's release back in the '80s, it wasn't as popular as many predicted. The film generated $66 million and those behind the scenes of the film predicted criticism given how controversial the film really was.
Along the way, like so many other films, it would turn into a cult classic, and eventually, it would become an iconic film and for some, among the true greats of all time.
Sure, Pacino struggled with some nose problems but once again, it was a way to explore a different character. According to his words alongside CNBC, this is what he lives for when it comes to shooting a film.
“That’s what’s exciting for me. A new character,” he said, citing a mantra that he often repeated — “Desire is more motivating than talent.”
“Like everything in this business, if you’ve been in it for a while, you realize that things get started, but then they go in different places and they don’t always culminate in a film,” said Pacino.
We can safely say that for his Scarface character of Tony Montana, he put it all on the line. And it did pay off in some ways; Pacino is worth $120 million, so while he's continued to work in film and TV, he doesn't need to work ever again to make ends meet.
