Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Doctor S — 28 Mar 2011

Starts off promising with some mystery and intrigue but eventually evolves into pretty standard gangster epic with a surprise at the end. Well-made to be sure, with absolutely eye-popping sets and art direction. Recreates a New York of the 1920s & '30s like I've never seen before with outstanding attention to detail that no computer has yet accomplished.

There is little doubt that this 3:47 film could use some trimming, while I never truly got bored (so much to look at!) I for once understand why the studio cut it down upon its release. Some long scenes are superfluous (kid bringing a girl a pastry, Carol from Detroit meeting the gang) while others are merely padded with silent looks. Also it was a bit of a chore to spend a full hour with the gang as kids because the child actors are terrible. Even Jennifer Connelly(!) the only one among them apparently able to later develop their craft.

The film is also misogynistic, even for the era portrayed. Every, I mean every woman is viewed as a sexual object or a target for abuse. Hard not to notice after awhile. What is most baffling is that Connelly as young Deborah, by far the most important female character in the film, is frequently shown in tight closeup (a Leone trademark) showcasing her dark brown eyes, but the grown-up Deborah in the visage of Elizabeth McGovern has bright blue eyes! Further evidence to suspect that Leone had so little respect for his women's roles that he either didn't notice or didn't care about such a glaring oversight occurring in a film with such meticulous veracity in every other regard.

So there are plenty of flaws but I'm glad I saw it. DeNiro is progressively despicable, Woods is slightly unhinged, and it's fun seeing later-famous actors in bit parts: Danny Aiello as corrupt policeman, Joe Pesci already in GoodFellas mafia mode, and look fast for Estelle Harris - George Costanza's mom! - as Peggy's mother.