Scarface Nation: The Ultimate Gangster Movie and How It Changed America [Paperback]

Ken Tucker (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 11, 2008

“Don’t get high on your own supply.”

Brian de Palma’s brash, bloody version of Scarface was trashed by critics when it came out twenty-five years ago and didn’t do well at the box office, but has become a spectacular fan favorite and enduring pop culture classic since.

“Never underestimate the greed of the other guy.”

What makes millions of people obsess over this movie? Why has Al Pacino’s Tony Montana become the drug kingpin whose pugnacity and philosophy are revered in boardrooms and bedrooms across America? Who were the people that made the movie, influencing hip-hop style and swagger to this day?

“The world is yours.”

Scarface Nation is Ken Tucker’s homage to all things Scarface—from the stars that acted in it to the influence it’s had on all of us, from facts, figures and stories about the making of the movie to a witty and comprehensive look at Scarface’s traces in today’s pop and political culture.

“Say hello to my li'l fren!”

You know you love the line. You know you’ve seen the movie more than once. Now dive into the ultimate book of Scarface—mounded as high as the pile of cocaine on Tony’s desk with delicious details and stimulating observations.

“You know what capitalism is? F--- you!”

 

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Is it possible that a kitsch-infused, over-the-top gangster flick that at the time of its release 25 years ago was considered a piece of unmitigated dreck is in fact an iconic cultural linchpin? According to Pulitzer Prize-nominated critic and Entertainment Weekly editor-at-large Tucker, it is, and he may be right. The confluence of director Brian de Palma, screenwriter Oliver Stone, and star Al Pacino yielded the perfect 1980s Sturm und Drang of gangster ethos and has been incessantly imitated in all facets of contemporary pop culture. Tucker's text is divided into two main sections. The first explores the film's inception and development and the personalities involved. The second half details historical and cinematic antecedents, pop culture manifestations, and significance. Replete with interesting interviews, insider anecdotes, and trenchant critical commentaries, Tucker's book is recommended for all cinema and popular culture collections.—Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX
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Review

"There's nothing scarier in the world then a televison critic who gets it. Ken Tucker is my worst nightmare. An intelligent, sharply critical voice of reason in a world of shark jumping."

- Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator of "Gilmore Girls"

 

"Ken Tucker writes with such passion, wit and expertise, that 99.9% of the time, he's far more entertaining than television itself."- J.J. Abrams, creator-producer of "Lost," "Alias," and "Felicity"

“Like a charming after-dinner companion, [Tucker] engages readers with a voice that’s both literate and casual, [raising] the level of TV discourse without intimidation...”- Publishers Weekly

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (November 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312330596
• ISBN-13: 978-0312330590
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas comes early for "Scarface Nation" November 14, 2008

By Mark M. Twomey

Format:Paperback

For anyone who loves Scarface -- and what kind of a fiend doesn't? -- "Scarface Nation" is an unbelievable cornucopia of inside information, fascinating facts, and linkages to past and present American culture. This book -- henceforth to be known as the "Scarface Bible" -- is incredible not only because of it's focus on the actual movie, but because of Tucker's ability to tie in everything from politics to Miami Vice to MTV Cribs. His description of the 2006 porn epic "Lady Scarface" -- which clocks in at 3 hours long (only one hour shorter than a Viagra warning) -- is so compelling and explicit that I need to remember not to leave this book anywhere my 8 year old daughter might pick it up. If you are into Scarface -- and if you are reading this review I would have to assume you are -- you really need to get this. It would be enough that it is crammed full of things you NEED to know about, but the fact that it is all pulled together by a world class pop culture observer and scribe like Ken Tucker is almost too good to be true. Mr. Tucker, you have made 2008 a great year for the members of "Scarface Nation". As a native of Boston, I only wish that "Red Sox Nation" had as much to be happy about.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Say Hello To The Bad Book December 10, 2008

By Mr. Lucky

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There's clearly a great book about SCARFACE and how it went from box office disappointment to global phenomenon, attaining a lofty place in popular culture... but this cheap knockoff isn't it. Simply put, Ken Tucker is not the man for the job. Pedantic and insipid, his tome is borne from the intent to ride a gravy train as opposed to having genuine affinity for the subject matter. While this SCARFACE book is a shrewd commercial move, it's a creative misfire and you're better off just watching the bonus features on the deluxe DVD. Better yet, why not buy a cool black velvet painting of Tony Montana from a service station. It's a better investment.

1.0 out of 5 stars Missed the mark February 7, 2012

By j c

Format:Paperback

Being a fan of the movie, got this book with high expectations. Needless to say it was a hugh disappointment. Instead of an exploration of the film and its effect on popular culture it is just a list of all things Scarface related. Gives the feel that it was quickly written, focuses little on things that should have been given more attention, and focuses too much on minor things. Not to mention the book is chock full of factual errors about the movie itself that any viewer would be able to point out (the gun Marta has in the beginning is NOT a shotgun). The errors in it are annoying when reading it, can tell there was not much editing in this book, or at least it was edited by someone who did not see the movie. This book is going off my shelf to the used book store, probably end up in the bargain bin.