Masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2001)

My title sums up the film, albeit cliche, the film is a masterpiece. The story of a gang's rise from the prohibition years to the 60s. The film's main 2 character's are the focus of the picture. Without trying to spoil it, the film addresses 3 distinct eras in their lives.
The film explores the heart, Noodles soul. A man struggling with himself, someone who plays evil acts, a man who sees the pure in his childhood sweetheart. A man never at peace.
The film is directed by Leone, a master of his art. I'm a huge fan of his work. Each of his films got better and better, and Once Upon A time In America was a picture which had all the experience which he achieved in the 60s. It's almost a gift to himself.
The film's locations are stunning, authentic and dirty.
The screenplay is excellent, but the direction makes the film. Maybe one or two characters were underwritten, but it seems that the director wanted us to talk about the picture, discuss the possible loose ends, make up our own minds. Leone's methodical pacing is stunning.
The acting is tremendous, can't praise James Woods and Robert De Niro enough, awesome!
The photography is beautiful, it lacks colour giving it a gritty look, perfection!
Morricone delivers another masterpiece, his score adds further depth and backups the director's story.
See it wide-screen, this film is a stunning piece of cinema. Leone, you were the master!