Scarface had a basis in real criminal stories. However, it was heavily fictionalized and embellished to create a more compelling and cinematic narrative.
One key event was Al Capone's rise to power in Chicago's underworld. He took over various illegal operations. Another was the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929, which was linked to Capone and showed his brutal nature. And finally, his arrest and conviction for tax evasion in 1931.
The real Scarface story is centered around Al Capone. Al Capone was able to build a powerful criminal empire in Chicago. He controlled large parts of the city's underworld. His face was scarred from a fight, which led to the 'Scarface' nickname. Eventually, the authorities managed to bring him down on tax evasion charges as it was difficult to convict him for his more serious crimes directly.
The Prohibition era in the United States was a major inspiration. During this time, illegal alcohol trade was rampant, and gangsters like Al Capone made huge fortunes from it. The power struggles, the violence, and the opulent lifestyles of these criminals were all aspects that found their way into the Scarface story.
Well, Scarface has elements of a true story. It's loosely based on real - life events and figures. The story of a rise to power in the criminal underworld, like what we see in the movie, had parallels in the actual experiences of mobsters during that time. But again, it's not a documentary, so there are fictionalized parts for the sake of entertainment and creating a more engaging narrative.
No, Scarface is mainly a creation of the writer's imagination. While it may incorporate elements that seem realistic, it's not a direct retelling of a true story. The plot and characters are crafted for entertainment purposes.