Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

← Inspired by 4 films

A former Prohibition-era Jewish gangster returns to the Lower East Side of Manhattan over thirty years later, where he once again must confront the ghosts and regrets of his old life.

Sources

Influenced By

  1. 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
  2. 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 Ryan D'Agostino Esquire
  3. The Godfather (1972)
  4. 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.