This evening I watched "Once Upon A Time in America". I had bought it as a DVD several years ago but never got round to watching it. It was the last film that Sergio Leone ever directed and for him it was a genuine labour of love.
I first saw this film in a cinema in 1985 and was absolutely wowed by it. That was forty years ago and ever since I had frequently referred to it as the best film I had ever seen - even though the mobster genre does not normally appeal to me.
Starring Robert De Niro and James Woods , "Once Upon A Time In America" is three hours and forty nine minutes long. However, it was meant to be much longer but objections by film distributors forced Sergio Leone to re-edit it. Some critics feel that that was an unforgivable act of artistic vandalism.
Moving to and fro between 1920s New York City, the 1960s and beyond the film focuses upon a group of Jewish hoodlums who have an appetite for violence and money. Their moral code is to do with loyalty to each other but you can damn everybody else.
The film has a haunting, almost fairytale quality about it as the "Once Upon A Time..." title might suggest. The musical soundtrack adds to that mysterious atmosphere. And throughout Robert De Niro demonstrates what a fine film actor he is. Maybe David "Noodles" Aaronson will be remembered as his finest role.
It was strange watching a film that I rated so very highly forty years ago. I had forgotten most of the detail of it and in a way this second viewing was like experiencing a brand new film but I was again absorbed by it and pleased that at last I gave up an entire evening to watch it for the second time.
Robert De Niro as David "Noodles" Aaronson
I've never seen that film. I always think of "spaghetti westerns" when I hear his name.
ReplyDeleteFor artistic reasons, Sergio Leone had wanted to make this film for years but permissions , copyright and funding issues greatly delayed the process. I should warn you that there are two rape scenes in it.
DeleteI've never seen it though I love DeNiro in nearly everything he's done.
ReplyDeleteIt would probably be a bit too scary for you Bruce.
DeleteIt sounds like a good movie and maybe I can track down a copy for myself.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to read your thoughts about it Elsie. Try Amazon.
DeleteI read your comment above about the rape scenes and changed my mind, I'll skip this one.
DeleteNot my kind of film. Violence, rape, gangsters. Nope.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that there are assorted baby animals throughout the film - lambs, kittens, puppies and bunnies.
DeleteIt is a great title and an interesting theme but I am not enticed to watch it.
ReplyDeleteSee my reply to "Catalyst" above.
DeleteRobert De Niro is a brilliant actor.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. His roles are wide-ranging.
DeleteI'd rather watch Calamity Jane.
ReplyDeleteIs she your wife?
DeleteI hated it
ReplyDeleteWell, there's a surprise!
DeleteAlmost 4 hours, I would never make it through it awake.
ReplyDeletePerhaps watch it in the early morning then Mr Rip van Godfrey.
DeleteI saw it once years back but it's worth a re-view!
ReplyDeleteSide story: when Judy Garland remade A Star is Born in the 50's the finished film came in at over three hours long and the studio demanded it be cut to less than two hours so they could get more showings, and more money, each day.
For years Judy, when asked about Warner Bros. and Jack Warner cutting her film, would say Jack Warner "gummed it to death."
Such tensions between artists and the money people.
DeleteI've never seen it.
ReplyDeleteI would say that it is iconic.
DeleteNever heard of it. In the 1980s, I would have been too busy taking my kids to Disney movies! :)
ReplyDeleteOkay - you are forgiven Ellen.
DeleteWhen I've visited New York City, I have seen Robert DeNiro a couple of times sitting on a bench at the edge of Central Park. It was cool to see how this very famous man blended in with everyday life.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. A man of the people as well as the cinema.
DeleteI 've never seen the movie, so I watched the trailer. I'll pass. I'm tired of violence and greed. When is enough money enough? I look at trump and his minions ( as well as dictators elsewhere in the world), and when is enough money enough for them? Never. And yet they will die, just the same as the poorest people whom they shit on. It makes me sick.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of this story.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Much_Land_Does_a_Man_Need%3F
I think Sergio Leone might have agreed with you. In the final analysis, the mobsters are despicable people.
DeleteJust catching up on your blog posts. I know 'schlep' from my son-in-law and always thought it was YIddish. It turns out that it is.
ReplyDeleteSunday lunch out sounded nice - if only we indulged in Sunday lunch - or any lunch, for that matter. It's good when a place you've booked doesn't disappoint.