LUDIC LOG

For Liz McK

Today, 20 years after its original theatrical release, Brian DePalma's gangster masterpiece Scarface is being released in a deluxe DVD format. The endlessly quotable script for the amoral epic of a Cuban cocaine warlord was written by a not-yet-famous Hollywood gunslinger by the name of Oliver Stone; his raw portrayal of a feral, bloodthisty immigrant consumed by his passion for the American dream became a cultural touchstone and was embraced by everyone from gangsta rappers to the designers of the Grand Theft Auto video games series.

This is why it's so surprising to learn, on the DVD's copious audio commentary, that Stone was not the originator of the script. In fact, the future director of Platoon was brought in as a script doctor when the original screenwriter's first draft was felt not to capture the essence of DePalma's directorial vision. However, the original script is worth revisiting; it was crafted by a woman who, while she may not have been able to adequately portray the gritty urban drug culture of 1980s Miami, knew a thing or two about immigrant drama. We are proud to present the following excerpts from what may be one of Hollywood's great classics that never were: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's Scarface.

Anthony Montaigne: All I have in this cursed world are my word and my manhood, and I will countenance damage to neither.

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Sanjit Bernstein: As we used to say in fourth form, old chum, every day spent outside one's sarcophagus is a day well spent.

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Anthony Montaigne: I always tell the truth, dear old thing. Even when I lie.

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Anthony Montaigne: I am Anthony Montaigne! When one trifles with me, one trifles with one with whom one should not trifle!

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Anthony Montaigne: I did not come to these United States to perform the duties of a costermonger.

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Anthony Montaigne: In this country, one must first be well-born. Then, being well-born, one must pursue a gentleman's education. Then, after the pursuance of the gentleman's education, one does well to take a wife.

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Anthony Montaigne: I should like to kill a Fabian simply for the sport of it. But for aid with my immigration affairs, I shall outdo myself indeed.

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Anthony Montaigne: I wish for only what I deserve.

Manservant: Indeed! And what might that be, sir?

Anthony Montaigne: Omnes, my good fellow. Omnes.

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Francis, Lord Lopes: Never underestimate the avarice of one's peers, Anthony. And don't get high on your own supply. It is simply not done.

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Anthony Montaigne: Stand aside for the varlet.

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Anthony Montaigne: Sir, I suggest you attempt to place your head at the seat of your reason! I think you will find it quite impossible.

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Anthony Montaigne: This is paradise, mark my words. This town is like a maiden fit to be despoiled.

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Anthony Montaigne: Who is responsible for our latter glories? In truth, it is I! Who is worthy of my confidence? Again, the answer is none but myself!

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Anthony Montaigne: You think you can hand me defeat? Not even the might of the Boers could level Anthony Montaigne!

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Anthony Montaigne: You wish to have a go? So be it! You wish to abandon the Marquis de Queensbury rules? So be it! You will be pleased to make the acquaintance of my young companion!