To me, they're two rather different types of films. Despite both being directed by Brian DePalma and both starring Al Pacino, the comparison goes only so far.

IMO, Carlos Brigante is a more interesting, more three-dimensional, more complex and nuanced character than is Tony Montana. He's a wiser human being because of the things he's learned in life - particularly the value of learning from one's mistakes, changing one's ways, and escaping the limitations of one's environment. Tony Montana, by contrast, would seem incapable of that degree of self-reflection, let alone actual reform. From start to finish Tony is a machine, utterly consumed by his ambitions, ruthlessly determined to get whatever he wants, by any means necessary. He may be more cunning and calculating than Carlos Brigante, but Carlos may be the smarter character.

Ultimately, each film is a morality play, albeit with different viewpoints and different approaches. Overall, Scarface is probably the better film, due to better production values for one thing. But to me, Carlito's Way is in most respects the better story.

~ Q