Michelle Pfeiffer recently shared a surprising anecdote about her audition for the iconic film 'Scarface.' During an appearance on the 'SmartLess' podcast, she revealed that she accidentally made Al Pacino bleed during a screen test, potentially securing her breakout role as Elvira Hancock.
A Terrifying Start
Pfeiffer admitted that she was initially "terrified" during the filming of 'Scarface,' directed by Brian De Palma. She felt inexperienced and lacked confidence, which made the audition process particularly challenging. According to Pfeiffer, Al Pacino wasn't initially convinced she was right for the part. "Al will admit this: he didn’t really want me for the part,” Pfeiffer stated.
The Bloody Breakthrough
The actress recounted how, after several unsuccessful auditions, she was called back for a final screen test. Feeling resigned to not getting the role, she approached the scene with a newfound freedom. During a particularly intense moment, she swiped dishes off a table, and in the process, accidentally cut Al Pacino's finger.
"I show up and I don’t even give a s–t because I know I’m not getting this part," Pfeiffer explained. "It was my best work of the film, of course… I swipe the table of the dishes and glasses break, the dishes break. Cut. There’s blood everywhere… I didn’t cut me. I cut Al. I thought, ‘Well, there goes that part.’"
Surprisingly, Pacino wasn't upset by the mishap. Pfeiffer speculated that the incident may have actually helped her land the role, proving her commitment and intensity. 'Scarface' became a cultural phenomenon and launched Pfeiffer into superstardom. The film, with its over-the-top violence and depiction of the drug trade, remains a controversial yet highly influential work.
The story highlights the unpredictable nature of auditions and the unexpected moments that can shape a career. It also provides a glimpse into the intense atmosphere on the set of 'Scarface,' a film that continues to fascinate audiences decades later.