20 Most Intense Movie Performances Of All Time

2. Tony Montana (Al Pacino) - Scarface

There's no doubting that Al Pacino's Tony Montana is an animal, but the true power of his performance lies in the fact that he's still able to find some glimmer of empathy in his creation. Sure, he's a wild, ostentatious figure defined by excesses of personality and behaviour, but there's still a wounded humanity about him that makes him perversely likeable.

His rise to power is compelling precisely of what Pacino brings to the character: were he not charming and darkly alluring, his tale would make him one-dimensional and disposable. Ultimately, Pacino paints the portrait of a man obsessed with winning, no matter what the cost and while we see his end coming a long time before the film ends, it's almost endearing how little he does. Of course you aren't supposed to aspire to be him, but you definitely don't cast him off the same way you do Tommy DeSimone.

He may have been reduced to a couple of soundbites by now, but the entire performance - and its nuances - warrant far more praise than screaming about little friends.