Michelle Pfeiffer Reveals the Terrifying Experience of Filming ‘Scarface’
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Michelle Pfeiffer, well-known for her iconic role in the movie Scarface, recently shared her experience working on the film. In a candid interview on the SmartLess podcast, the 67-year-old actress discussed the challenges she faced while portraying the character of Elvira Hancock in the 1983 movie, directed by Brian De Palma. Pfeiffer admitted that she had no idea at the time that the film would become such a cultural phenomenon.
During the six months of shooting, which extended beyond the original schedule, Pfeiffer revealed the intense experience she endured. Playing a cocaine addict, she stopped eating to stay true to the character, causing her to lose weight rapidly. Pfeiffer shared how the crew had to bring her bagels as she became thinner and thinner to accurately portray her character’s struggles.
Pfeiffer also reflected on the male-dominated environment on set, aside from her co-star Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, describing it as filled with “gangster guys and machismo.” At the young age of 23, with Grease 2 being her most recent credit, Pfeiffer confessed feeling terrified every day on set. Despite her doubts and lack of confidence, the film ultimately became a breakthrough role for her.
Even Al Pacino, who initially had reservations about Pfeiffer for the part, was won over during a memorable screen test. Pfeiffer recounted a nerve-wracking audition where she accidentally made Pacino bleed. This incident, though unintentional, seemed to impress Pacino and changed his perspective on her suitability for the role.
Scarface turned out to be a pivotal moment in Pfeiffer’s career. Despite the mixed critical reception at the time of its release, the film was a commercial success and left a lasting impact on popular culture. Five years later, Pfeiffer received her first Oscar nomination for her role in Dangerous Liaisons, followed by nominations for The Fabulous Baker Boys and Love Field in subsequent years.
Reflecting on her experience with Scarface, Pfeiffer shared a mantra she adopted for her performances: “I don’t give a s—.” This philosophy seemed to resonate well with her work ethic and allowed her to deliver one of her best performances during the restaurant scene in the film, a moment where her dedication inadvertently led to an unexpected injury to Pacino.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s journey through the making of Scarface serves as a testament to her resilience and commitment to her craft. Despite the initial challenges and self-doubt, she emerged from the experience stronger and more determined, setting the stage for a successful career in Hollywood.