Week 6: Scarface

Dear Avid Reader,

So Scarface is about capitalism. Let's get that out of the way. It is also the most awesome movie ever. You can't get out of the way of that. So let's just talk about the capitalism.

Lesson Number One: Don't Underestimate The Other Guy's Greed

Here's the thing about the capitalism allegory of Scarface: it shows capitalism as the awful reality of the American Dream. Tony grows up in Cuba idolizing the movie stars of Hollywood, claiming that he always knew that one day he would go to America. And why did he want to come here? Prosperity. Security. In a word, money.

When individuals talk about the American Dream, I wonder what they think that means. I guess the hokey, Pollyanna version is a life that is comfortable and secure. Chickens in pots, cars in garages and et cetera are included. The American Dream also means some kind of contentment, but that contentment seems to be conditional (or only come after) on getting the house, vacations days, and wireless internet access. The focus is on the material.

Nothing Exceeds Like Excess

This is why Scarface is such an awesome movie. It cuts to the heart of our true beliefs and fears. Tony works hard to get money. He is ruthless. He'll kill anyone that he needs to kill. He makes no bones about it. He's honest about what is happening. This honesty is what makes him an appealing character. He takes what he wants, but never lies about what he's doing to get it. He is a truly ethical capitalist.

And isn't that what every American wants? To drop their guilt? Don't we want our consumption to also be virtuous. I mean that's why we buy Tom's Shoes. In the back of every American's mind, they are just a few decisions away from being super rich. But they also fear they are a couple bad decisions away from been poor. It's what drives the economy. It's why we buy iPhones.

Scarface reminds the viewer that greed has consequences. That greed hurts someone. Tony kills people. His drug business has a terrible influence on his sister. The unchecked greed destroys Tony and everyone around. Scarface also reminds how fleeting the good times are. The movie spends a lot of time on the rise of Tony and on the fall of Tony. The small time that he enjoys his wealth can be fit in a montage.

Me, I Always Tell The Truth, Even When I Lie

I find one of the most honest scenes in the movie to be when Tony is negotiating the interest rate with the banker that is laundering his money. Sure he is bringing in more and more money, but in order for the money to be of use, he must pay more and more. Tony is faced with the reality that wealth cannot defy gravity. It is something that rich people face all the time: Growth that lasts forever does not exist. The American Dream is something you wake from.

But the most terrifying part of Scarface is the scene when Tony shoots Alberto during the NYC hit. Tony asserts himself. There are some things he just will not do in order to maintain his wealth. He knows that folks call him a "bad guy" but he truly believe that he isn't. Everyone else is just as bad, maybe more so because he doesn't hide his failings. But as soon as he takes a stand to rescue his soul, the system move quickly to remove him. Tony has now become the biggest threat to the system. He values himself above the game.

Is This It? That's What It's All About, Manny? Eating, Drinking...Snorting...Then What?

Tony's death is the realization of the fear for every rider on the roller coaster of American materialism. If at some point, if the rider wants off, will they stop the ride and let you go? When it comes time to want an identity of you own creation, will the collective strike back? Does the person that bought in get to cash out?

Yes, greed has consequences, profound, huge, big stinking consequences, and they are not that nice to think about. That something that individuals are so interwoven into could be destroying so much. Materialism is about a fear of death, and everyone is scared. Humanity just cannot move past this, still looking for the immortality application on our smart phone. But maybe it is not too late. Maybe there is something, however painful, that can right the course. Maybe it is time to say "hello" to a little friend. A little friend name "Conscience".

But it may as well be a grenade.

Until Next I Blog,

James