Michelle Pfeiffer has long been considered one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses, but the road to one of her first iconic roles was far from easy. Recently, the star revealed unexpected details about how a bloody incident with Al Pacino during an audition helped her land the role of Elvira in Brian De Palma’s 1983 crime classic ‘Scarface’.
Al Pacino Didn’t Believe in Her
Director Brian De Palma immediately saw Pfeiffer as the fragile yet inwardly strong Elvira. However, Al Pacino, who played the lead role of Tony Montana, was against it — and later admitted it. According to Pfeiffer, he bluntly said, “She’s bad.” This made her feel insecure, and the months-long wait for an answer only made things worse. “For two months I just kept getting worse and worse because I was simply afraid. And by the end I felt absolutely awful.”
Pfeiffer recalls De Palma approaching her gently and telling her she probably wouldn’t get the role. Despite her disappointment, she even felt a sense of relief — the pressure had been overwhelming.
A Second Chance with No Hope
About a month later, she unexpectedly got another call inviting her back for a screen test. Pfeiffer arrived with zero expectations, convinced the decision had already been made. But this relaxed attitude allowed her to show her best. The scene was emotional set in a restaurant, ending with her character losing control. According to Michelle, it was the “best work” she had ever done on film.
The most memorable moment came when Pfeiffer suddenly swept her arm across the table, knocking everything over. Glasses shattered, pieces flew—there was blood everywhere. Everyone rushed to her, thinking she was hurt, but the actual injury was Al Pacino’s — Michelle had accidentally cut his finger.
The actress was certain that after this incident she would be immediately crossed off the list. Instead, the opposite happened. With a smile, Pfeiffer recalled that this was the moment Pacino changed his mind and admitted she was the perfect Elvira.
The Result — An Iconic Role
In the film, Elvira became a symbol of decay and inner emptiness. Tony Montana’s wife, formerly the mistress of his boss Frank Lopez, a socialite addicted to drugs—Pfeiffer created a character still considered one of the best in her career. Scarface became a classic of the crime genre, and for Pfeiffer, a launchpad into major stardom.
