Review of Heaven's Gate (1980) by Sean C — 25 Apr 2011

Wouldn't you be disappointed to learn that the most famous dud in Hollywood history is actually a beautiful and mostly kick-ass epic? Kris Kristofferson at his gravelly best and stunning photography by Vilmos Zsigmond are almost enough to make this bleak western a lost masterpiece, however some of Cimino's extravagant choices (what's with that protacted opening anyway?) hobble the film.

Still, it's at least 1,000 times better than its rep and sure to be regarded with more objective eyes in the decades to come. Special mention for Willem Dafoe in his first (and uncredited) screen appearance.