Once Upon a Time in America - help with the ending?

[CSDog]

What happens right at the end of this film? Am confused about the scene with the dust-cart, noodles & Max. Where does Max disappear - into the dust cart?

[gary baldy]

In the business its called an 'open ending' and its left up to the viewer to decide what they think is the fate of the character.
You would perhaps think that because he was disgraced that he commited suicide but you could also argue that he was a crafty fella who could ride out any difficult situation and come up smelling of roses. Either way he gets away with it once again.
There is no right or wrong answer - think what you like.