Once Upon a Time in America

Director: Sergio Leone
Writing Credits: Harry Grey (novel "The Hoods"), Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Benardi, Enrico Mediolo, Franco Arcalli, Franco Ferrini, Sergio Leone
Producers: Claudio Mancini, Arnon Milchan
Release Date: 1 June 1984 (USA)
Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
Production Companies: Embassy International pictures, PSO International, Rafran Cinematografica, Regency Enterprises, Warner Bros, Wishbone
Distributors: Societe Noucvelle de Cinematographic (SNC), Warner Home Video, Ladd Company, Warner Bros. Pictures, National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Adams Films, Jugendfilm-Verleih, eauropean Video Corporation, Flashstar Home Video, LW Editora, Warner Bros.
Special Effects: Intrigue, Corridori G & A Cinematografica S.r.l
Sound Effects: Cine Audio Effects
Music recorded at: Forum Studio
Titles & Opticals: Studio 4

User Comment:
********** - Philip Van der Veken

"Sergio Leone is a real master when it comes to creating a special atmosphere, full of mystery, surprises and drama... He's one of the few directors who understands the art of cutting a movie in such a way that you stay focused until the end."

"The second reason why this movie is so great is the music. Ennio Morricone, who is seen as the greatest writer of film music ever, did an excellent job."


User Ratings:
Males- 8.4
Females- 7.6
Under 18- 8.4
Males under 18- 8.8
Females under 18- 5.6

Awards:
Won: Award of the Japanese Academy, BAFTA Film Award, Silver Ribbon, Kinema Junpo Award, LAFCA Award, Sant Jardi

Nominated: BAFTA Award, Golden Globe


At the very beginning of Once Upon a Time in America, while the credits are rolling, is a sound-bridge; it's of the song "God Bless America". The film is set in the USA, but the purpose of using that particular song is to establish an ironic tone as a girl gets shot within the first few minutes of the film,suggesting and creating an image of corruption. This soundtrack is also featured in "The Deer Hunter" (1978) to criticise the USA's involvement in Vietnam. Therefore, Sergio Leone is possibly using it to make a critical statement about the USA in the same way. It could also be a sort of tribute to Michael Cimino; a recognition and agreement of his work.

The film mainly focuses on gangsters and police corruption; this is easily recognisable within the first couple of minutes. The first feature of the film is the non-diegetic sound of footsteps, this is a generic convention of a thriller film; it creates tension. The following sound is of a door opening which increases suspense. The establishing shot is in a door way- the dark noir lighting also signifies the genre. This is followed by a high angle close-up of Eve's face; she wears shining pearls, a faux fur coat and red nail varnish; indicating that she is a femme fatale character. This is suggested by her glamourous look; the red nail varnish connotes danger. It is not until she puts the tiffany light on that her face is really revealed; the lighting is clear and simple, giving a beautiful image of her. Eve's costume reveals to the audience that the film is set in the 1930's.

You can see that something is bothering her, she pulls the bed cover back to reveal bullet holes in the shape of a human body on the bed (high angle shot). The bullet holes reinforce the genre of the film as it is a common visual device used TV crime dramas (such as CSI). The rule of thirds is also used here- she is on the right of the screen.

The next thing to happen is a gunshot; a man then comes out of the shadows, followed by two others. The body language of the three men connotes danger and suggests that they are definite intruders. The 3:1 ratio makes it a sort of bullying situation, especially seeing as there are three men and one woman. Their costumes are conventional; they wear long coats, dark colours and hats; the fact that they are all in brown also suggests that they work as a group/ team. The behaviour of the men is intimidating as they are all staring at Eve and their faces aren't very clear because their hats cover their eyes. The man standing in the centre seems to be the "alpha" male and leader of the group.

The camera then focuses on the intruders closing in on Eve. She is wearing light coloured clothing- they are wearing dark; this shows that they are the villainous characters. The camera then cuts to the body shape on the bed, suggesting that it has been put there ready for her. The lamp and her shirt are the same colour; when the light is turned off it indicates that she is dead.

The camera cuts really quickly to the next victim: who is violently assaulted. A close-up is used to show the vulnerability of the victim and the brutality of his attackers. The three men are still together, suggesting that they travel as a group and that they are cowards because they have to work as a trio. The fact that they choose easy targets (a woman and an overweight man) back this up.

The film then cuts to an Opium den; a scene with Noodles out of his on drugs. Furthermore reinforcing the ironic representation of America. The non-diegetic sound-bridge of the phone ringing links Noodles to a flashback of his murdered friends- the ringing sound is in his imagination.

The rain and dark mise-en-scene of the next cut signifies the thriller genre very strongly. The street lights and fire are shown through noir and chiarosciro lighting and the soaking street connotes death. The body bags and labels are another convention of the genre. Also, the fact that Noodles is watching tells the audience that he is involved/ connected to the deaths in some way- making him a generic thriller character.