https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/dnvzhz/was_tony_montana_supposed_to_be_likable_at_some/
Earlier on in the film, he’s very cocky as evidenced in the Sosa deal. He’s also kind of a pig, as evidenced in his pursuit and subsequent marriage with Elvira. The one true time he shows some form of decency outside of interactions with his mother, is the trip to New York.share
I dont see any redeeming features in the character. And I dont think we are supposed to change our minds just because the character balks at the idea of killing a child.
But then again, the point of the character is that he is a despicable character. But he is utterly compelling to watch. Similar to Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas.
I often see people claim they don't like such movies because the characters are unlikeable. They are supposed to be. But that does not equate to them being unable to watch. Far from it.
I didn't think he was interesting but dumb and gross.
Pig? If he married her. Get real. She was a mistress and a nobody. He did her a service by marrying her. Tony looked after his sister, Mother, Wife, wanted kids, respected kids, was self-made, hard working, ambitious, hard, smart, and died like a man.
shareI agree he wasn't likable at all.
shareHe was never likable, he doesn't get credit for "saving" the kids because he's the one who helped put them in that situation to begin with. Even if he didn't that still doesn't make up for everything else he did.
shareI thought he was a gross person and was happy that he died.
I don't even get the message of the movie and I usually do.
It’s supposed to puncture the American Dream and reveal it to be hollow, that’s what writer Oliver Stone wants you to think. He’s made a career out of shitting on America... but still chooses to live there 🤷🏻♂️
shareIn answer to the opening question, No. He was always a self centered admiral jerk. I liked the movie, but part of that is seeing him get his in the end.
shareI think it was a given that he was a bad-guy (and his violent demise was inevitable) but (thankfully) over the course of 3 hours, he only really ever associated with (and killed) even scummier lowlife criminals. I can't envision any of the other characters in this movie giving a rats ass about their mother, sister or wives (as Tony initially did)
His one 'saving' grace (as mentioned earlier) was his refusal to kill children (I'd assume that any other character in the movie wouldn't have a problem with blowing up innocent children....if it meant saving their own hides)
So whilst never actually 'likable'....he did have one redeeming feature, I guess?
He's likeable throughout because he doesn't fall into line for authority or bosses. That makes him an everyman's hero.