There always discussions between people when comparing two (very good) movies, which usually comes down to one question:
If you have to pick only one, which is the better film?
My goal is to have that discussion in the comments and see which of the two gets the most support, thus being the better film of the two. This does not mean the other one is bad, it is just to see which one is the preferred choice.
For the last couple of weeks it were sequels going up against the original. This time though the choice is not about movies that are part of the same universe, but which in my mind are spiritually linked. One is about someone making it in organised crime, while the other is about someone wanting to leave it. Which of these two do you think is the better film?
I hate going against Carlito’s Way which I think is a great film that features Brian de Palma at his best as well as Al Pacino and Sean Penn in phenomenal performances.
I have to go with Scarface because it is so over-the-top and doesn’t apologize for it. It’s a thrilling film that will never be replicated. It’s got some great quotes and all sorts of crazy shit.
Personally I’d probably go with Carlito’s Way, but I have not seen both movies in a while, so would need to rewatch them to see if I still will go that way.
I vote for Carlito’s Way, and exactly for what Steven described. “…a great film that features Brian de Palma at his best as well as Al Pacino and Sean Penn in phenomenal performances.” Scarface is probably more “fun” because of it’s excesses, which has certainly fueled its popularity. But, at least for me, Carlito’s Way is the better made film cinematically.
Sean Penn is awesome indeed (as is Pacino). Agree that Scarface is a fun film.
I love this series. Didn’t expect to see these movies facing off (though I probably should have). Anyhoo, I have to go with Steven on this one. I love them both, but Scarface is a much more indelible viewing experience. It’s excesses are all tremendously done. In this case, Scarface’s style wins out over the more substantive Carlito’s Way.
Thanks Wendell, glad to hear this. Will think of other interesting match ups.
This is an apples and oranges comparison.
“Scarface” is basically a supped-up Grimm’s fairy tale/morality play. “Carlito’s Way” is a crime drama.
That being said, and since this post is about comparisons…I go with “Scarface”. It is much more rewatchable.
Of course it is and apples and oranges comparison, but that makes the choice even harder 🙂
This one isn’t close for me. The answer is Carlito’s Way. I’m not trying to be a contrarian and assume that Scarface will win, but I don’t like it very much. DePalma did a much better job with his later film, which had a lot more weight and drama.
I’m with you Dan!
Carlitos’s Way hands down, much better drama and amazing characters performance, besides Carlito Brigante, is more charismatic and enigmatic character than “Scarface’s” Tony Montana.
Memorable scene the scape from the club and through the subway with the final shooting up of Grand Central Terminal .
For me, it definitely has to be Scarface. From beginning to the end, I found the character and portrayal of Tony Montana to be hypnotic and fascinating. The characters personality – although perhaps not as “deep” as Carlito Brigante’s – and his idgaf attitude combined with his smart mouth made him an unforgettable character. Although I liked Carlitos Way, it only kicked in for me at the final shootout scene. Before that it seemed slow and slightly boring, whereas Scarface grabbed and held on to my attention throughout its entire almost 3 hr duration.
Gotta go with Carlito’s Way. Just recently watched Scarface for the first time- watched it twice actually. It’s definitely compelling and keeps you interested. But the drama and overall mood of Carlito’s Way- that sense of inevitability no matter how hard we struggle, try to change our lives and be better than we have been, that is truly tragic and much more interesting and relatable.
One of the things that made me choose the movie was it’s main character: Carlito Brigante or Tony Montana. For me Tony is like a young unstable kid with a lot of ambition, it sure is a very interesting personality that goes on but Tony started to have a lot of conflict with himself and his surroundings and let him to an unavoidable death (still really badass). While Carlito is kind of like an older, wiser, honorable man who wants leave everything behind and is unfortunately dragged into more trouble. Both are antiheroes, but Tony was a lot more than Carlito. In my first time of watching the films I rotted more for Carlito to survive than Tony in the end. Carlito’s Way is my pick for having such tense and tragic story, even though Scarface is not short of being a masterpiece.
Carlitos way , It has more suspense and action in it.
Scarface is also good , it creates inspiration and rage against mediocre life.
But still carlitos way is the best among.