"He loved the American Dream. With a vengeance."
Scarface - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Say hello to my little friend!
— Tony Montana
Context:
This line is screamed by Tony during the film's climax. His mansion is under siege by assassins sent by Alejandro Sosa. Cornered and heavily outnumbered in his office, Tony grabs the weapon, blasts the door open, and unleashes a torrent of gunfire on the attackers below.
Meaning:
This is arguably one of the most iconic lines in cinema history. It is the ultimate expression of Tony's defiance and aggression. The "little friend" is an M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher attached. The quote signifies his readiness to go down in a blaze of glory, embracing violence as his final, definitive act. It has become a cultural shorthand for overwhelming and explosive retaliation.
I always tell the truth. Even when I lie.
— Tony Montana
Context:
Tony says this during a scene in a fancy restaurant where his wife, Elvira, has just left him. He is drunk and high, and he drunkenly admonishes the other patrons, calling them out for needing a "bad guy" like him to feel good about themselves.
Meaning:
This paradoxical statement perfectly encapsulates Tony's worldview and character. It suggests that even his deceptions are a true reflection of his ambitious and self-serving nature. He sees himself as fundamentally honest in his desires, unlike the "good guys" who hide their hypocrisy behind a facade of morality. It's a declaration of his shameless, unvarnished personality.
The world, Chico, and everything in it.
— Tony Montana
Context:
Early in the film, Tony's friend Manny asks him what he wants out of his new life in America. Tony, looking out at Miami, delivers this line, laying bare the immense scope of his aspirations.
Meaning:
This quote is the thesis statement for Tony's ambition. It articulates his boundless desire for everything the American Dream promises: money, power, and possessions. It reflects his belief that he is entitled to seize the entire world for himself, showcasing the scale of his greed and the hubris that will eventually lead to his downfall.
You need people like me so you can point your f**kin' fingers and say, 'That's the bad guy.'
— Tony Montana
Context:
This is part of the same monologue in the restaurant after Elvira leaves him. He is confronting the wealthy patrons, exposing what he perceives as their moral cowardice and dependence on outlaws like him to define their own identities.
Meaning:
This is a moment of sharp, albeit drug-fueled, social commentary from Tony. He accuses mainstream society of hypocrisy, arguing that they secretly envy his freedom from conventional morality but use him as a scapegoat to affirm their own supposed goodness. He positions himself as a more honest form of corruption compared to the hidden lies of the establishment.