Films that influenced Once Upon a Time in America
← Inspired By (4)
Featured Path
The Searchers → Once Upon a Time in the West → Once Upon a Time in America
Sources
Influenced By
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Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
"Leone's own thematic and structural successor — Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Once Upon a Time in America: title-as-genre-statement was Leone's invention here." source
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The Godfather Part II (1974)
"Sergio Leone's epic crime drama shares thematic and structural similarities with "The Godfather Part II," including its non-linear narrative and exploration of friendship and betrayal over decades. The film's portrayal of early 20th-century New York and its complex character relationships reflect Coppola's influence." Denzel Washington Told Us His Life Story Esquire
- The Godfather (1972)
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Citizen Kane (1941)
"Leone's flashback-within-flashback structure and shattered American Dream theme echo Kane. Senses of Cinema's Once Upon a Time essay reads Max as the film's Kane figure — humble origins to mythic, unknowable power." source
Once Upon a Time in America (1984), directed by Sergio Leone, was inspired by 4 earlier films — including Once Upon a Time in the West, The Godfather Part II, and The Godfather. Check out the citations below.