Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Review

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

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My Review

“Once Upon a Time in America” is an epic gangster film about members of the Jewish mob during the Prohibition Era, from their childhood through old age. Director Sergio Leone (“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” 1966) was in control of the entire creative process, making a film with marvelous production values, stunning visuals, unique sets, great writing, outstanding performances, all contributing to the intangible atmospherics that few motion pictures display.

There are several versions of the film, with the original Leone cut of 269 minute running time (4 hours & 29 minute) the best one for quality viewing. The initial American release of the film was 139 minutes, a big flop at the box office. This was Serio Leone’s final film before his death in 1989. His first directorial job was an Italian film, of course, called “The Colossus of Rhodes” released in 1961.

The cast is headed by Robert De Niro, James Woods, and Elizabeth McGovern. All turned in good performances, with De Niro and Woods being familiar with the territory in mob pictures, and McGovern less so. She certainly did hold her own with fellow cast members. Co-stars include Joe Pesci, Burt Young, Tuesday Weld, Treat Williams, Danny Aiello, Richard Foronjy, Richard Bright, James Hayden, William Forsythe, Darlanne Fluegel, Richard Harper, and Estelle Getty, in her motion picture debut. She was best known for her role as Estelle Costanza on NBC’s sitcom “Seinfeld” (1989-1998).

The musical score was handled by Ennio Morricone, Leone’s collaborator on most of his projects. Some interesting tunes Morricone included in the sound track was “God Bless America” (penned by Irving Berlin, performed by Kate Smith), a muzak version of “Yesterday” (Paul McCartney & John Lennon), “Summertime” (George Gershwin), and “Night and Day” (Cole Porter).

“Once Upon a Time in America” is a must-see film for movie fans. It was film number three in Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time Trilogy,” which includes “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968) and “Duck, You Sucker!” (1971). Leone co-wrote the screenplay with five others, too many to name here. The cinematography was more than capably handled by Tonino Delli Colli. The production companies include The Ladd Company, PSO International, Embassy International Pictures, Rafran Cinematografica, Titanus, and Warner Bros. Pictures.

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