Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

This is a movie I have wanted to see for a very long time. It’s also a movie that you really need to schedule some time to watch, because it boasts a demanding 230-minute run time. This is director Sergio Leone’s last feature film and possibly his most masterful. Leone’s utilization of distinct sound effects, dramatic close-ups, and intertwining tender moments with very violent images is the work of a true cinematic genius.

The story presented in this film is very epic in nature. It chronicles the life of gangster David “Noodles” Aaronson, played by Robert De Niro, as he and his gang of misfit friends grow up during prohibition and get involved in organized crime. Leone freely plays with time as he goes back and forth throughout the narrative and makes excellent use of Ennio Morricone’s amazing score to tie it all together.



If you know Leone then you know Morricone. His scores have been used in most if not all of Leone’s films. His western scores are instantly recognizable and iconic. His score for this film gives it a timeless feeling and really helps tie all of the different time periods together nicely.

Let’s jump to the performances, De Niro is a force to be reckoned with but James Woods was the real surprise for me. I am not as familiar with Woods as I should be. Looking through his filmography I have seen a lot of his work but I guess I have just never paid attention to him. He is very powerful in this film as Noodles’ best friend and partner in crime. He exhibits some pretty raw emotion as his character deals with demons from his past and the more dangerous elements of his lifestyle.

Another cool thing about this movie is that during the childhood segments of the story all of the child actors are really good. I really hate when bad child acting ruins a good movie and Leone makes sure that doesn’t happen here.

If you love the Godfather or Goodfellas or any mobster film then you owe it to yourself to see this. If you are not a fan of the genre then watch this film just to see a master craftsman at work. In the days of cookie cutter blockbuster fare it is a really nice change of pace to see something that is created with passion and a love for the medium of film.

It’s time to look more into the work of James Woods. Up next I am going to watch his 1981 thriller Eyewitness. He stars opposite the gatekeeper herself Sigourney Weaver.