ESSENTIAL CINEMA

Rating: Null/10 (27 September 2002)

I will be the first to admit (and please do not beat me to a pulp) that I found Leone's 'Dollars Trilogy' tiresome alongside 'Once Upon A Time In The West'. Both were stylistically ingenious, but I found them to be overtly prosaic. I can still appreciate why they are loved though.
So when Once Upon A Time In America came on TV, I approached with caution having been dissappointed with the above films. I recorded it and watched it the following morning. I was absolutely blown away, all paled in significance when put alongside this unfathomably superlative masterpiece of cinematic art.
(SPOILERS AFOOT...) Sitting here writing this Im trying to think why it is so astounding. Firstly, its Robert DeNiro. He effortlessly assumes the role of Noodles, underplaying him to full effect, every statement is profound and poetic because of its honesty: "You can tell who the winners are at the starting gate; you can tell the winners and you can tell the losers." Similarly listen to the speech he gives to Deborah on the beach after their romantic meal, he opens his heart to her and is shattered by her rejection. Look at the close ups on his face and his tearful eyes, a man consumed with an inward passion. Look at his reunion with 'Senator Bailey' at the end, you are almost convinced he had never met him. Where was DeNiro's Oscar?
Secondly, the score to the film is utterly breathtaking. Especially the theme that links Noodles and Deborah, Morriconne's signiture sweeping orchestral score harmonised by a solo female voice. Romantic and devastatingly beautiful. Listen out for the pan pipe score when the young members of the gang are running away (in slow motion) from Bugsy who is armed with a gun.The score is sublimly atmospheric, even the strange but insightful use of Lennon and McCartney's 'Yesterday'. Where was Morriconne's Oscar?
Thirdly...EVERYTHING else; Directing, Cinematography, Set Design, Supporting Roles, Screenplay etc etc WHERE WERE THE OSCARS? The Acadamey has disgraced itself, but we do not need their approval to rate this as one of the greatest cinematic accomplishements ever put onto celluloid.
You are no lover of film if you do not like this. Four hours of unimaginable bliss. Miss it and by heaven you'll miss out. This is ESSENTIAL cinema.