Despite some ludicrous plot developments, De Palma’s skill ensures that this is still a very entertaining flick.

Here, De Palma riffs heavily onPsycho, telling a pulpy and provocative story thatremains controversial today.

It demonstrates De Palma’s ability to build suspense with minimal dialogue.

Scarface

Image via Universal Pictures

At the same time, he falls for aspiring singer Phoenix (Jessica Harper).

The final ingredient is the epic score by Western legendEnnio Morricone, which ties it all together.

You’re gonna die big time!

Gillian Bellaver (Amy Irving) looking straight ahead in The Fury

Image via 20th Century Fox

Unlike De Palma’s other, more bombastic gangster movies,this is a character-driven tragedy.

The highlight ofCarlito’s Wayis the acting, with Pacino’s emotional performance grounding the drama.

That said, the focus on emotion doesn’t mean that the movie isn’t stylish.

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Aesthetically, De Palma charms with a propulsive soundtrack and more than a few nail-biting scenes.

Its a good scream.

Its most notable admirer isQuentin Tarantino, who has ranked it among his all-time favorite movies.

Headshot Of Amy Irving

Carrieis masterful from the first frame, with exceptional editing, haunting performances, and unsettling sound design.

But it’s in the third act thatDe Palmacranks everything up to 11.

There have been multiple attempts to replicate the dark magic of De Palma’sCarrie, but none have succeeded.

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The movie is a three-hour descent into blood-soaked, coked-up chaos, in the best way.

NEXT:The 10 Most Essential Movies of 2004, Ranked

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Michael Caine and Nancy Allen as Robert Elliott and Liz Blake talking in Dressed to Kill

Image via Filmways Pictures

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Jack Harmon (Emilio Estevez) helps Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) in the 1996 ‘Mission: Impossible’

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Winslow/the Phantom (William Finley) sneaks into a red room while peering through his helmet in ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974)

Image via 20th Century Fox

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A group of armed men looking at the camera in The Untouchables

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Al Pacino in ‘Carlito’s Way’

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Jack Terry looking pensive besides a film camera in the film Blow Out - 1981

Image via Filmways Pictures

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Miss Collins comforting Carrie in Carrie

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Al Pacino as Tony Montana looking frustrated in Scarface

Image via Universal Studios

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