Sergio Leone. The man responsible for thrusting Clint Eastwood into a legendary status in the 'Man Without a Face' series. He is also the man who brought us an almost 4 hour film about New York Jewish gangsters starring Robert De Niro. I prefer his westerns, and even more so, I prefer only his westerns in which Clint Eastwood stars. This film took me about a whole day to watch. 4 hours for a film is no joke, it is a serious expedition, one that needs to have a lot going for it to push me to watch it. I thought Robert De Niro would be the exception to my prior Clint Eastwood theory as to Sergio Leone's success. Nope. Films still rely heavily on writing and this one is no exception. Clint Eastwood's character in the western films was interesting to watch doing anything, but not for a story's sake. This film had a less interesting character in just as mediocre a story. For a mediocre story to last 4 hours is amazing to see and think about how it could have ever have been received so well.
The acting throughout the film, from all the corners of the screen. Robert De Niro doesn't make any stand out performance but it feels like he may have been the only one to carry such a project. This film's success confirm's the film world's belief that Robert De Niro is the world's greatest actor in cinema. Only someone of his fame could have so many so interested.
If the film was squished down to 2 hours, maybe even 2 1/2 hours, it could have been enjoyed. But, the film was way too slow, and at many moments, paused. So many moments looked like it was being ripped, shredded, blended, and then spread back out trying to seem original, while failing, and looking like a Godfather film. The cover has theft on it, the tones have theft on it, and some of the events have theft on it.
The film was about a man who had twisted sexual desires, unable to control those desires, topped off with sprinkles of greed for power. It starts with children, and ends with grey hair, with little to no development in its characters.
Also, the music was like a drill to my brain. Reminded me of the "Karate Kid" soundtrack.
You have 4 hours of time to watch this film? Don't. Not unless you want to chase down all of De Niro's work... and make this the last.
"Once Upon A Time In America"
6 / 10
