ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA

In the late ’60s, decades after he was a career criminal, elderly David Aaronson (Robert De Niro) returns to New York City to reflect on his life, from his childhood in the harsh slums to his tumultuous years of bootlegging and finally his brutal reign as Mafia boss. Featuring an all-star cast of Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci, Burt Young, Tuesday Weld, and Treat Williams, the sweeping epic is the last film in Leone’s ONCE UPON A TIME trilogy and his final film. Punctuated by a mournful score by Leone’s longtime collaborator Ennio Morricone, the film presents the American Dream as a violent, corrupt myth where capitalism and organized crime are two sides of the same coin. Released in a shortened American version in 1984, Siskel championed the longer European version that will be shown here and named it his favorite film of 1984. 35mm screenings generously supported by Mimi and Scott Manzler, with additional support from Marlene Iglitzen.

Awards & Nominations

1984 Cannes Film Festival - Official Selection
1984 Venice Film Festival - Official Selection

Gene's Favorites

To wrap up our 25 Years on State Street celebration, we are pleased to present five films championed by our namesake, Chicago film critic, Gene Siskel. November 28–December 29, 2026.

25 For 25

To celebrate 25 years on State Street, the 25 For 25 series revisits standout titles from our State Street history, spotlighting films that have lit up our screens since 2001 and reflecting on the Siskel Film Center’s programming legacy. Each selection connects to a past Siskel program, highlighting the Siskel Film Center’s long-standing commitment to diverse and innovative curation.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu