The components of a great drama are an intriguing plot, an unexpected denouement, talented actors. “Once Upon a Time in America” is a picture possessing all these components. This gangster movie will appeal to viewers who have nothing against the bitter ending, do not consider a happy ending mandatory. Who played the central characters of an exciting movie?
A few words about the plot
Knowledge of the plot of the crime drama is necessary in order to understand what characters the actors play. Once Upon a Time in America is a film whose plot is borrowed from Harry Gray 's autobiographical novel . The action takes viewers to the United States of the twenties, in a mysterious era of jazz, prohibition and rampant crime. It was a time when even a tramp could suddenly turn into a rich man, and a millionaire could go bankrupt overnight.
The central characters of the story, which spans almost half a century, are Max and Noodles, who have been competing with each other since childhood. Enemy friends are played by such wonderful actors as James Woods and Robert De Niro. Desperate guys create a criminal gang, ingenious scams turn them into true kings of the criminal world of that time. Ruthlessly getting rid of competitors, they promise never to betray each other. However, fate manages the lives of friends very unexpectedly.
Of course, a criminal story cannot do without a romantic heroine, whose rivalry for love only aggravates the conflict between Noodles and Max. The fatal woman is played by the wonderful actress Elizabeth McGovern.
Who got the main role
Having familiarized themselves with the plot, viewers who have not watched the drama may think that there are two main characters. In reality, there is only one - Robert De Niro. The roles played by the actor before and after filming in the film Once Upon a Time in America impress with their diversity. He managed to try on the images of a taxi driver, athlete, soldier, insane. Among the characters played by the star is the legendary mafioso Vito Corleone. It is not surprising that he brilliantly coped with the role of a criminal authority named Noodle.
Hero De Niro at first glance seems restrained, withdrawn, devoid of emotions, judicious. However, in the character’s soul passions rage. Once Noodles had to betray his own friend, hoping to save his life in this way. However, the plan did not work, and the whole life of the hero is poisoned by memories of this.
It is interesting that at the time, other stars, including Gerard Depardieu , also sought the role of Noodles . However, the actor was refused, first of all, this decision was due to his emphasis.
James Woods and his character
Other actors of Once Upon a Time in America are also interesting. This primarily concerns James Woods, who embodied the image of Max - the enemy friend of the hero De Niro. Like Noodles, Max became a criminal in his childhood, succeeded in the world of crime. However, the buddies initially were completely different from each other. Max was characterized by such qualities as assertiveness, passion. Wanting to steal the money of a gangster group and start life anew, the character deftly imitated his death.
Not all actors in Once Upon a Time in America were known to the general public even before the release of the drama, like Robert De Niro. James Woods gained his first fans exactly when he played Max criminal. It can be seen in such films as Contact, Casino, Every Sunday. The American actor does not neglect the series either, the most famous television project with his participation is Ambulance.
Elizabeth McGovern and her heroine
The actress in the drama "Once Upon a Time in America" got the role of a woman who became the only love in the life of Noodles. However, the criminal authority could not get the heroine Elizabeth McGovern, since she married his friend Max, disappearing with him when he imitated his death. Many years later, the hero De Niro met his beloved woman, learned that she gave birth to a son from his friend.
Like James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern turned into a sought-after actress only after the release of the crime drama. Fans will be able to see the star in many famous series, including Poirot, Tales from the Crypt, and Bedroom Window.
Other interesting heroes
Unfortunately, the dramatic story “Once Upon a Time in America” was shown to be sad, as one of the actors who starred in the film died a few days before the premiere. This is American James Hayden, whose death is related to drug use. The actor played one of the members of the group of Max and Noodles, his character was nicknamed Prostak. This role was the best of all that the American managed to play.
Joe Pesci is an actor who originally claimed the role of Noodle. The director allowed him to choose any other image, as a result of Pesci played Frankie Manoldi.
This is how the most dramatic roles of a dramatic criminal story with a sad ending look like. The answer to the question of whether it is worth watching the film Once Upon a Time in America, each viewer can only find on their own.