Once Upon a Time in America - Leone, 1984. Film Review.

Classic or Classic Miss?

I had heard this was a long film, it was very long. I had to split it over two viewings. But that’s ok, I do that a lot, but usually a sign that it’s good is when I don’t even think about how long it is. With Once Upon a Time in America I found myself enjoying elements, but overall I was disappointed.

We start in the 1920s in Brooklyn with the younger group of guys, I thought their acting was superb especially ‘Noodles’ (Scott Tiler), this was the period of the film that I enjoyed the most, I thought it was fun, interesting and well acted, I liked the pacing of it too. This was the only section I liked.

I found the films pacing fine, the acting was pretty good (minus Elizabeth McGovern), make-up brilliant (De Niro looks identical now!), cinematography beautiful. Problem? It was just another mob movie, it wasn’t interesting or very involving at all, and I found myself watching to just say that I had watched the whole thing. Why? I thought that there was a lack of story, what exactly was this about other than a mobs strange although boringly strange journey?

De Niro and Woods gave amazing performances but female leads were lacking, especially in the scene where the older Noodles goes to visit Deborah, shows a lack of acting skill when she pulls of an unconvincing lie. Noodle’s actually says to her that she isn’t that greater actor.

The soundtrack was monotonous and downright annoying; they would chime in the melody like indie music in The O.C.

Leone should have made a film like Unforgiven. Something that’s not out of his boundaries of dust, lassoes and posses.

It frustrates me that this film has become an instant classic, and must be recognised as one, when a lot of people probably don’t like it, but go with the ‘apparent classic good movie consensuses’. I loved the Leone/Eastwood westerns, thought that Once Upon A Time in the West was boring and found this an average dressed up film with the best intentions.
A shame. Good to see George Constanza’s mother opening the door in the 20s.

My Rating: 1.5/5

My Summary: A disappointing, but well intentioned effort, a classic miss.

A film for: Friday or Saturday nights in, by yourself, or long term partner. Could be better stoned?