Once upon a Time in America

[AllBusiness37]

I just watched this film for the first time tonight, and might I say, it was spectacular! I began to wonder though, when Shane and Spider--and, perhaps, the rest of the band (I don't know.)--were watching this movie repeatedly, did they have the full 229 minute version or one of the shortened and chronologically-forward ones?

[philipchevron]

I just watched this film for the first time tonight, and might I say, it was spectacular! I began to wonder though, when Shane and Spider--and, perhaps, the rest of the band (I don't know.)--were watching this movie repeatedly, did they have the full 229 minute version or one of the shortened and chronologically-forward ones?

We have always watched Mr Leone's preferred version, which was how the picture was released in the UK in any event, though I do also have a VHS of the butchered US release. It's a great way of getting rid of guests who have outstayed their welcome. Tell them you are about to run both versions consecutively so they can compare and contrast and that later, we will together denounce a film industry which somehow ignores the contribution of Ennio Morricone until to continue to do so would begin to look egregious (I have to say I thought he won for "The Mission", but I stand corrected).

[RICHB]

I just watched this film for the first time tonight, and might I say, it was spectacular! I began to wonder though, when Shane and Spider--and, perhaps, the rest of the band (I don't know.)--were watching this movie repeatedly, did they have the full 229 minute version or one of the shortened and chronologically-forward ones?

We have always watched Mr Leone's preferred version, which was how the picture was released in the UK in any event, though I do also have a VHS of the butchered US release. It's a great way of getting rid of guests who have outstayed their welcome. Tell them you are about to run both versions consecutively so they can compare and contrast and that later, we will together denounce a film industry which somehow ignores the contribution of Ennio Morricone until to continue to do so would begin to look egregious (I have to say I thought he won for "The Mission", but I stand corrected).

Its such a beautiful film. I love anyting by Leone. I think I posted somewhere else that the first time I saw it I kept thinking of Fairytale and couldnt put my finger on why. Imagine my suprise when it was mentioned in the documentry the film was an influence

[Aslak]

In what documentary? One my top favourite films, would like to know more about this.

[Fr. McGreer]

In what documentary? One my top favourite films, would like to know more about this.

The BBC made a documentary about the history of Fairytale. The film is mentioned as a huge influence on the song.

[Hennybhoy]

That's a f***ing great movie

[Jeff Roesgen]

Dare I start the debate about whether the plot is generated by Noodles' opium hallucination/dream about the past/present/future vs. an accurate out-of sequence history?

I've always been a strong proponent of the former, but many swear to the contrary. either way, I agree: great film, great score.

I'd be interested to hear other thoughts, I don't believe Leone ever revealed which..

[philipchevron]

Dare I start the debate about whether the plot is generated by Noodles' opium hallucination/dream about the past/present/future vs. an accurate out-of sequence history?

I've always been a strong proponent of the former, but many swear to the contrary. either way, I agree: great film, great score.

I'd be interested to hear other thoughts, I don't believe Leone ever revealed which..

The poetry of the film is in the fact that this question need never be answered.

[Jeff Roesgen]

The poetry of the film is in the fact that this question need never be answered.

Yes, point taken. A bit like Lynch's Mulholland Drive in that respect I suppose, you can wrack your brain being analytical about it or, contrarily, decide just to enjoy the expression. In the end, the latter conserves energy for more worthwhile thoughts.


On a side note: best wishes for 2008, everyone!