Meet Sergio Leone(4): Once Upon a Time in America

After redefining the Western genre with his masterful films, Sergio Leone turned his attention to a different kind of epic—a sweeping saga of crime, friendship, and betrayal set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Once Upon a Time in America (1984) would be Leone’s final film, a deeply personal project that he had nurtured for over a decade. This film marked a departure from the sun-scorched landscapes of the Old West, transporting audiences to the gritty streets of New York City. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest gangster films ever made, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the price of ambition.

Once Upon a Time in America was a passion project for Leone, who had long been fascinated by the American gangster genre. Based on the novel The Hoods by Harry Grey, a former mobster, the film’s production was a monumental undertaking. Leone spent years researching and developing the story, meticulously crafting a narrative that would span several decades and weave together themes of loyalty, loss, and the corruption of the American Dream.

Despite his success in Europe, Leone faced significant challenges in bringing Once Upon a Time in America to fruition. Financing the film proved difficult, and Leone had to contend with both artistic and commercial pressures. The film’s complex narrative structure, which jumps back and forth in time, was a particular point of contention with American studios, leading to a heavily edited version being released in the United States. However, the original cut, running at nearly four hours, has since been restored and is now widely regarded as the definitive version.

One of the most striking aspects of Once Upon a Time in America is its non-linear narrative. The film shifts between three different time periods: the 1920s, when a group of young Jewish boys in New York’s Lower East Side form a gang; the 1930s, when the gang rises to power during Prohibition; and the 1960s, when an older, regretful Noodles (Robert De Niro) returns to his old haunts after years in hiding. This fragmented structure reflects the way memories work, with past and present intertwining to create a mosaic of experiences and emotions.

At its core, Once Upon a Time in America is a story about the passage of time and the loss of innocence. The characters, particularly Noodles and his closest friend Max (James Woods), start as idealistic youths but become hardened by the violent world they inhabit. As they climb the criminal ladder, their friendships deteriorate under the weight of greed, ambition, and betrayal. Leone’s depiction of their journey is both epic and intimate, exploring how the choices made in youth can haunt a person for the rest of their life.

The film also delves into the idea of the American Dream, particularly how it can be both alluring and destructive. Noodles and Max’s pursuit of wealth and power ultimately leads to their downfall, as their ambitions corrupt their morals and destroy their bonds with others. Leone presents a bleak vision of the American Dream, one where success comes at the cost of one’s soul.

The relationship between Noodles and Max is the emotional heart of the film, a complex dynamic of friendship, rivalry, and betrayal. Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Noodles is a study in quiet intensity; he is a man haunted by his past, carrying the weight of his regrets in every gesture and look. De Niro brings a sense of melancholy to the character, making Noodles’ journey a tragic one. His performance is restrained, yet deeply affecting, particularly in the film’s closing moments, where Noodles reflects on the choices that have led him to a life of solitude and remorse.

James Woods’ Max is the perfect foil to Noodles—charismatic, ambitious, and ruthlessly opportunistic. While Noodles is driven by a sense of loyalty and nostalgia, Max is constantly looking forward, willing to betray anyone to achieve his goals. Woods infuses Max with a magnetic energy, making him both a captivating and repellent figure. The tension between the two characters builds throughout the film, culminating in a shocking revelation that redefines their entire relationship.

Leone’s directorial style is on full display in Once Upon a Time in America. His use of long, lingering shots, particularly of faces and landscapes, creates a sense of introspection and contemplation. Leone’s camera often dwells on moments of silence or stillness, allowing the audience to fully absorb the emotional weight of a scene. This deliberate pacing, combined with the film’s intricate editing, enhances the dreamlike quality of the narrative, blurring the lines between memory and reality.

Ennio Morricone’s score is another vital component of the film’s atmosphere. Morricone, who had collaborated with Leone on all his previous films, composed a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that underscores the film’s themes of loss and nostalgia. The music is both melancholic and romantic, perfectly complementing the film’s exploration of time and memory. Morricone’s use of leitmotifs, particularly the recurring theme associated with Noodles’ lost love, Deborah (played by Elizabeth McGovern as an adult and Jennifer Connelly as a child), adds an emotional depth that lingers long after the film ends.

Although Once Upon a Time in America was not an immediate commercial success, particularly in the United States where the heavily edited version was initially released, it has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made. Critics and audiences alike have come to appreciate the film’s ambitious scope, complex characters, and profound thematic depth. The restored version of the film, which preserves Leone’s original vision, has been lauded for its artistry and emotional power.

Once Upon a Time in America is not just a gangster film; it is a meditation on time, memory, and the choices that define our lives. Leone’s final work is a fitting conclusion to his career, encapsulating the themes and techniques that had defined his earlier films while also exploring new territory. It is a film that rewards repeated viewings, each time revealing new layers of meaning and emotion.

Once Upon a Time in America stands as a towering achievement in Sergio Leone’s filmography, a complex and deeply moving exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the inexorable passage of time. Through its intricate narrative structure, unforgettable characters, and masterful use of cinematic techniques, the film transcends the gangster genre to become a timeless reflection on the human experience. As Leone’s final film, it is a fitting testament to his genius, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.