Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Brief Intro

“Once Upon a Time in America” is a 1984 epic crime drama film directed by Sergio Leone. This sweeping tale follows a group of Jewish ghetto youths who rise to prominence in New York City’s world of organized crime. The film intricately weaves themes of friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time, offering a poignant exploration of the American dream and its pitfalls.

Literary Devices Used in Once Upon a Time in America

Below are ten literary devices identified in the film, along with specific examples from the movie. Each table corresponds to a different device.

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Opening scene	The story begins with a flashback, setting the tone for the non-linear narrative.
Noodles in the opium den	Noodles’ memories of the past are triggered, transporting the audience back in time.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Eve’s murder	Early scenes hint at the violent end awaiting Noodles’ loved ones.
Max’s ambitions	Max’s early desire for power foreshadows his eventual betrayal.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The suitcase	The suitcase full of money symbolizes both opportunity and loss.
The bridge	The bridge represents the passage of time and connection between past and present.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Noodles’ betrayal	Noodles betrays his friends, only to be betrayed by Max later.
The childhood promise	The promise of sticking together forever is ironically broken by greed.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The title	The title itself is a metaphor for the idealized, mythic view of America.
Deborah’s character	Deborah represents unattainable purity and the lost dream of a better life.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Theater scene	References to Shakespearean plays during Deborah’s performance.
The Great Depression	The film alludes to historical events like Prohibition and the Great Depression.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Childhood vs. adulthood	Scenes shift between the innocence of youth and the corruption of adulthood.
Wealth vs. poverty	The stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyles and the impoverished ghetto.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Time	The recurring motif of clocks and timepieces underscores the theme of time’s passage.
Opium den	The motif of escapism through drugs highlights the characters’ desires to forget their past.

Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
Noodles’ happiness	Noodles finds moments of happiness in a life filled with crime and regret.
Max’s fate	Max achieves his dream of power but ends up living in hiding and fear.

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The rise and fall	The film serves as an allegory for the American dream’s corruption and decay.
The friendships	The allegory of loyalty and betrayal mirrors the broader social and moral decay.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Noodles

Device	Explanation
Flashback	Noodles’ character is deeply explored through flashbacks that reveal his motivations and regrets.
Symbolism	Noodles’ actions and decisions symbolize the struggle between loyalty and betrayal.

Max

Device	Explanation
Irony	Max’s rise to power and eventual downfall are laced with irony, highlighting his complex character.
Foreshadowing	Early indications of Max’s ruthless ambition foreshadow his ultimate betrayal.

Deborah

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Deborah serves as a metaphor for purity and unattainable dreams.
Allusion	Her character alludes to classic tragic figures, adding depth to her role.

Character Dynamics

The relationships between characters like Noodles and Max drive the narrative, with their friendship and betrayal central to the story. The dynamics between Noodles and Deborah explore themes of love and loss, while the interactions among the gang members highlight themes of loyalty and corruption.

Thematic Analysis

Friendship and Betrayal

Device	Explanation
Irony	The irony in Noodles betraying his friends, only to be betrayed by Max, highlights the theme.
Flashback	Flashbacks reveal the deep bond and eventual betrayal among the characters.

The Passage of Time

Device	Explanation
Motif	The recurring motif of clocks and timepieces emphasizes the relentless march of time.
Juxtaposition	The juxtaposition of past and present scenes underscores how time changes the characters.

The American Dream

Device	Explanation
Allegory	The rise and fall of the characters serve as an allegory for the American dream’s corruption.
Symbolism	Objects like the suitcase of money symbolize the elusive nature of the American dream.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Flashback	Non-linear editing	The film’s non-linear structure allows for seamless integration of flashbacks.
Symbolism	Visual motifs	Visual symbols like clocks and bridges reinforce thematic elements.
Irony	Juxtaposition in editing	Contrasting scenes highlight the ironic twists in the narrative.
Metaphor	Cinematography	The use of light and shadow enhances the metaphorical aspects of characters and scenes.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

The Opening Scene Watch on YouTube

Breakdown: The film opens with a haunting flashback, setting the tone for the complex narrative structure. This scene uses visual and sound techniques to establish a sense of mystery and foreboding.

Deborah’s Dance Watch on YouTube

Breakdown: Deborah’s dance performance is rich with symbolism and allusion. The scene’s cinematography and music enhance the metaphor of unattainable dreams and lost love.

Max’s Revelation Watch on YouTube

Breakdown: In this pivotal scene, Max’s true intentions are revealed. The use of irony and foreshadowing throughout the film culminates in this moment, with visual cues and dialogue driving the emotional impact.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What literary device is primarily used to reveal Noodles’ past?
   • A) Flashback
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Symbolism
2. Which character symbolizes unattainable dreams?
   • A) Noodles
   • B) Max
   • C) Deborah
3. What motif recurs throughout the film to emphasize the passage of time?
   • A) Bridges
   • B) Clocks
   • C) Money
4. Which cinematic technique is used to enhance the irony in the film?
   • A) Non-linear editing
   • B) Visual motifs
   • C) Cinematography
5. The rise and fall of the characters in the film serve as an allegory for what?
   • A) Friendship
   • B) The American dream
   • C) Time

Answers:

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. B