In the 1980s, a determined criminal-minded Cuban immigrant becomes the biggest drug smuggler in Miami, and is eventually undone by his own drug addiction.
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Brian De Palma’s blood-soaked gangster saga is set in the neon excess of 1980s Miami – but after Miami balked at the film’s content, most of it was shot in Los Angeles, with Tony Montana’s grotesquely opulent mansion played by a genuine Californian estate in Montecito.
Where was Scarface filmed?
Scarface was filmed largely in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County (Montecito), with some location work in Miami.
Every Scarface location, explained
1
Tony’s mansion – Montecito
Montana’s palatial home is El Fureidis in Montecito, Santa Barbara County – a real Mediterranean-style estate.
2
Los Angeles as Miami
After Miami’s reluctance, much of the “Miami” action was recreated in Los Angeles, including the Babylon Club area.
3
Miami – the real thing
Some genuine Miami footage grounds the story, from Key Biscayne to Miami Beach.
4
Sosa’s estate – Santa Barbara
The Bolivian drug lord’s compound also used grand Santa Barbara-area estates.
Planning a visit
Montecito and Santa Barbara hold the film’s most striking real locations, including the estate that became Tony Montana’s mansion – a world away from the Miami the film pretends to be.
Scarface Fun Facts
1
'Miami' is mostly Los Angeles After Miami objected to the script, most of the film was shot in and around Los Angeles.
2
The mansion is real Tony Montana’s home is El Fureidis, a genuine Mediterranean-style estate in Montecito.
3
'Say hello to my little friend' The film’s climactic line became one of cinema’s most quoted.
4
Pacino hurt his hand Al Pacino reportedly burned his hand on an overheated gun barrel during the finale.
5
Written by Oliver Stone The screenplay was written by Oliver Stone, updating the 1932 original to the cocaine era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tony Montana's mansion?
It’s El Fureidis, a real estate in Montecito, Santa Barbara County.
Why wasn't it filmed in Miami?
Miami officials objected to the script, so most filming moved to Los Angeles.
Can you visit the locations?
The mansion is a private estate, but the Miami and LA areas hold other locations.
Who directed Scarface?
Brian De Palma, from a screenplay by Oliver Stone.
