Once upon a Time in America
Quick Summary
Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 crime drama film directed by Sergio Leone. The movie tells the story of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City, chronicling their rise and fall over several decades. It explores themes of greed, betrayal, and regret as the characters navigate their lives and relationships. Leone was known for his distinctive style in films like the "spaghetti western" genre, and this epic drama showcases his meticulous approach to storytelling and visual composition. The film's narrative spans many years, delving into the complex lives of its protagonists.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Jennifer Connelly…in Sergio Leone’s gangster epic Once Upon a Time in America (1984). As a teen, Connelly had leading roles in several minor films, including Jim Henson’s children’s film Labyrinth (1986). After studying English at Yale University and drama at Stanford University, Connelly attracted notice with her performance in the Disney…
Read More…in Sergio Leone’s gangster epic Once Upon a Time in America (1984). As a teen, Connelly had leading roles in several minor films, including Jim Henson’s children’s film Labyrinth (1986). After studying English at Yale University and drama at Stanford University, Connelly attracted notice with her performance in the Disney…
Read More
Robert De NiroFilms with Scorsese: Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and GoodFellas…interest, whereas Sergio Leone’s epic Once upon a Time in America (1984) suffered from postproduction studio interference, as did Terry Gilliam’s futuristic satire Brazil (1985). De Niro also performed in more conventional films during that era, including True Confessions (1981), Falling in Love (1984), The Mission
Read More…interest, whereas Sergio Leone’s epic Once upon a Time in America (1984) suffered from postproduction studio interference, as did Terry Gilliam’s futuristic satire Brazil (1985). De Niro also performed in more conventional films during that era, including True Confessions (1981), Falling in Love (1984), The Mission
Read More
Joe Pesci…a mobster in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America (1984). Pesci achieved broad popularity with his turn as a comically pestiferous government witness in Lethal Weapon 2 (1989). His portrayal of the violent-tempered Tommy DeVito in Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) earned him an Oscar for best supporting actor. That…
Read More…a mobster in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America (1984). Pesci achieved broad popularity with his turn as a comically pestiferous government witness in Lethal Weapon 2 (1989). His portrayal of the violent-tempered Tommy DeVito in Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) earned him an Oscar for best supporting actor. That…
Read More