KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
1984 · 229 min · R

Once Upon a Time in America

Directed by Sergio Leone · Drama, Crime

Once Upon a Time in America (1984) is a Drama film, directed by Sergio Leone set in New York City during the 1910s–1960s. It runs 229 minutes and is rated R.

A organized crime, with a melancholic and bleak tone. Themes of betrayal, memory & nostalgia, and friendship play out through non linear / fractured timeline and frame narrative.

Composer
Ennio Morricone
Cinematography
Tonino Delli Colli
Cast
Robert De NiroJames WoodsElizabeth McGovernJoe PesciBurt YoungTuesday WeldTreat WilliamsDanny Aiello

The world of this film

Setting

Where
New York City
Setting
Urban
When
1910s1920s1930s1960s

Premise & themes

Premise
Organized Crime
Themes
BetrayalMemory & NostalgiaFriendship
Structure
Non Linear / Fractured TimelineFrame Narrative
Tone
MelancholicBleakNostalgic

Shape

Protagonist
Solo LeadEnsemble
Pacing
Slow Burn
Based on
Pure Fiction

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