Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

VHS/SIDE COVER

Length of film:  229 Minutes (Re-cut: 139 Minutes) (Extended Edition: 250 Minutes)

Rated: R

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Sergio Leone

Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams. Tuesday Weld, Burt Young, Joe Pesci

IMDB Rank: 8.4/10

Part 1 Time: 161 Minutes (Re-cut: N/A) (Extended Edition: 174 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  65 Minutes (Re-cut: N/A) (Extended Edition: 76 Minutes)

***The official intermission of the film is at 161 minutes, this however is very long considering that many feature films of the same length tend to have an intermission in its self. Another appropriate intermission time that could replace the official one is at 123 minutes when Noodles drives the car off the dock into the water. For the purpose of this website the official intermission will be used.

Where does the first part end? Noodles (Robert De Niro) watches Deborah (Elizabeth McGovern) leave on train for Hollywood.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “All aboard!” Conductor speaks as train departs from the station.

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “Well look who’s back.” Max (James Woods) speaks out loud to the gang as Noodles appears

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Noodles character has shown know remorse or human connection for any of his criminal activity. He is loyal only to the gang and Deborah (his childhood love interest). With Deborah choosing to leave Noodles to pursue a Hollywood career one wonders how this will ultimately affect Noodles move forward.

Which part is better? Part one is substantially better due to the content explored. We are able to see how this teenage street gang formed into a outlaw group by taking advantage of the American prohibition age through bootlegging and engaging in various criminal activities. In addition, we are able to see the bond they develop among each other.

Academy Awards: None