My expectations were low for this book, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. The author did a great job with this one.

THis is the story behind the movie Scarface. It had some interesting parts and many sidebars i skipped over. I wish the book was more to the point and the sidebars were not so distracting.

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface by Nat Segaloff is a history of the 1983 film. Mr. Segaloff is a writer, journalist, and producer.

Say Hello to My Little Friend by Nat Segaloff tells of the production of the 1983 film and its legacy. Much of the book is also about the 1932 Scarface which was the inspiration.

The infatuation with the mafia is not new, D.W. Griffith’s version (starting Paul Muni) was certainly tame compared to Brian DePalma’s bloodfest due to 1930s censorship, but the movie was still a hit. I am still a sucker for movies about antiheroes, exposing America’s dark side.

The book goes through the storyline of both movies, as well as behind-the-scenes anecdotes. How Steven Bauer (who also wrote the forward) helped Al Pacino with his Cuban accent, Michelle Pfeiffer and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio get into their respective roles and the great Robert Loggia’s contributions. I got a kick out of how screenwriter Oliver Stone chose the name of Tony Montana.

Every time I read a book about movies, it seems to me to be a miracle that a final product was actually put out, double that if the movie is actually good. I know there has to be a lot of planning, but it seems to me that a great amount of pure luck is always involved.

I enjoyed reading this book and learned a few things as well. It reminded me of a movie I’ve enjoyed since seeing it in 1983, and made me want to see it one more time.

if you like gangster movie or books you will like this book.i can't put it down.i will buy this book it come out.

Say Hello to My Little Friend is a book that explores the movie Scarface along with its historical baggage and its societal consequences. It tries to get a peek inside the minds of its actors, like Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, director DePalma, and writer Oliver Stone. It compares the different versions of Scarface and explains why each version is the way it is. Overall, it is an efficient, small volume that is indispensable for any movie buff who would like to know more about the cultural phenomenon. But if you haven't watched Scarface already, I would advise watching it first, as the book contains spoilers for all the versions of it.

A super in depth look at the origination and making of the Scarface films, this is a wonderful companion to any fan of the film.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Kensington Books, Citadel for an advance copy of this book that looks at the creation of the movies Scarface, the original version from the 1938's which had its own particular set of problems, and the remake from the 1980's which changed pop culture, in numerous ways from music, to fashion, to visuals and even motion picture storytelling and what could be allowed.

Art inspires people in many ways. One of the best is that inspires others to create art, sometimes in the fashion of what they enjoy. And the 1983 movie Scarface has inspired people from all across the creative spectrum. From rappers who sample the movie, the soundtrack, and famous lines to fill their songs, create rhymes based on the plot. Even adopt the movie as their lifestyle, wearing clothes, tossing toothpicks, saying certain words certain ways. The colors of the movie, the sets went on to effect movies and influence television shows, graphic novels act as sequels and prequels. Computer games expand the adventure, and companies market clothes based on Tony Montana and his fashion sense. Not bad for a movie that was vilified by critics, ignored by moviegoers, but saved by VHS and HBO, where I saw it for the first time, probably a little too young. However I was enthralled, as were others. Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface by by entertainment veteran and film historian Nat Segaloff is a look at both movies, the original and the rise and problems of gangster movies and the remake that changed so much, and shows no sign of slowing down.

The book begins with a look at the gangster in film, starting with an early look at the controversial and noted racist filmmaker D. W. Griffith's early gangster silent film, and how Hollywood struggled against itself in portraying those who took to the other side of the law. For all the moralizing America loves the bad guy, and making bad guys look good might help with the box office, but went against community boards, and early film censors who wanted crime not only to not pay, but end badly for the criminal. Scarface produced independently by industrialist Howard Hughes, and directed by Howard Hawks, a real giant in film, was a difficult movie to create, being cut a in numerous ways for violence, incest, more violence, and making Paul Muni the star look to good. The movie was finally pulled from circulation and not released for almost fifty years. Where it caught the eye of a producer, who decided to remake it. The 1983 movie went through a bunch of directors, some more than once, screenwriters, and even actors, before solidifying with Brian DePalma, who needed a hit after movies that would become famous, or be called ahead of their time, Oliver Stone who was broke, and Al Pacino, who was just coming off Cruising, which had it's own problems. And movie magic was made.

Nat Segaloff is a very good writer, coming from both a journalism background, and working as a publicist for the Hollywood machine, so not only has he seen things, he understands the spin, and how things work. And Segaloff knows how to get the story, and make it entertaining. Not just about the 1983 Scarface, though that is the reason the book exists, Segaloff looks at the complicated world of how Hollywood shows the criminal element, and how America wants to see it, while shaking a finger and going bad bad Hollywood. Films like Scarface show the real America, a world where crime is not rampant, but accepted. Cops take payoffs, lawyers take 100,000 retainers, and politicians continue to do nothing, as the money is too good. The making of is very good, as well as the what followed, the slow rise of the movie in Rap, and Hip Hop culture, and how DePalma was judged badly at the time, and has come to be appreciated for his skill. A really good film book that looks at more than just the film.

For fans of the movie this will be a drug they need. Plenty of stories, quotes, funny tales, perfect for a holiday gift. Film fans will also get a lot from it with the history and look at gangster films, and how movie making has changed over the years. Another informative, and very entertaining book from Nat Segaloff.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's an excellent historical look at the different aspects of mob life and crime all tied into Scarface. Honestly an excellent read for anyone interested in organised crime and Hollywood.