MovieChat Forums > Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Discussion > Was the baby-swapping scene an homage to...

Was the baby-swapping scene an homage to A Clockwork Orange?

posted 8 years ago by guccipix
7 replies | jump to latest

I think so. 4 men dressed in white, in a white room, being mischievous to the tune of Thieving Magpie.

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[–] DracTarashV 8 years ago

I've always thought this scene was very reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange myself. Hell, even Chief Aiello feels like he's a character from that film.

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[–] guccipix 8 years ago

It's like all of a sudden a very serious and dramatic film turns almost comedic, and the color scheme changes completely. I can't think of any reason other than to pay homage to ACO. Thanks for the response 

Having an opinion can save your life. Just ask Marvin.

[–] Towelie_Towel (1700) 7 years ago

Agreed, Chief Aiello basically just appears in that sequence and is so different from the rest of the characters.

[–] katz6 8 years ago

I think so. Forsythe's character Cockeye even takes a swig of some milk in the scene.

[–] Noir-It-All 7 years ago

I just cannot watch that scene.

[–] guccipix 7 years ago

Why not

[–] TheArgentinian (6428) 6 years ago

Because it feels too real and it's horrifying to come home with another person's baby and never know (no DNA tests back then).
One of the most disturbing actions by the gang.