How to Make a Scarface Costume

Al Pacino blew away the audience---before he was blown away himself---in the movie "Scarface." Pacino starred as rough-and-tumble Cuban immigrant Tony Montana, a man who climbed up the drug ladder of success and definitely made his mark in the world. This "Scarface" character makes for a great costume, and it is easy to create with a few props, simple supplies and just the right haircut.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Suit with wide lapels and slightly bell-bottomed pants Shiny, button-down shirt Gold chains with at least one medallion Toy assault rifle Wig or scissors and hair gel Reddish-brown eyeliner

1. Create the main outfit. Get a suit with wide lapels and slightly bell-bottomed pants to wear with a shiny, collared shirt. Check the closet of someone who has no fashion sense or visit the nearest thrift, vintage or used clothing store. If you can't find a full suit, opt for a separate jacket and pants--but make sure they are the same color. All black or all white works best, either solid or with a subtle pinstripe. The shirt should be a contrasting hue and also have wide lapels.

2. Accessorize. Keep the top of the shirt unbuttoned and open wide to show of the one to five large, gold chains you put around your neck. Make sure at least one of these chains has a gaudy medallion of sorts. Best bets are some type of religious symbol, although you could get away with a name medallion, as long as it says "Tony." Other gold, gaudy jewelry for the wrist and fingers is optional. Get gaudy, cheap gold at a pawn shop, thrift store or via a bubble gum machine. It doesn't have to be real gold.

3. Arm yourself. An assault rifle is definitely in order, since "Scarface" spends most of his time in the movie blowing someone away. Check toy stores, military shops or online (see Resources below) for an imitation automatic weapon that matches "Scarface" 's style.

4. Fix your hair. "Scarface" is notorious for his bowl-like haircut, complete with short, choppy bangs. You can easily reproduce this look with a pair of hair shears or find a short-haired wig that works for the look (see Resources below). You can also gel down your existing haircut by combing your hair straight down with gel in it, to see how close to the look you already come without a cut or wig.

5. Make the subtle scar. "Scarface" got his name in the first place because of the scar on his left cheek. Take a reddish-brown eyeliner pencil and draw a slightly jagged line down the center of your left cheek. Start at the center of the cheekbone and go down and slightly toward the ear about 2 inches. Smudge the pencil line gently with your fingertip, grab your gun and go.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice mannerisms and phrases. "Scarface" liked to strut and was quick with the gun. He also liked to swear a lot and call people "cock-a-roaches."
• Don't do the swearing part in front of small children. Heck, don't aim the gun at them, either, even if it's just a toy.

Resources

• Toy guns
• Scenes from the movie for inspiration