Review of Heaven's Gate (1980) by John M — 07 Nov 2009
Having seen this film again, I can say that it could have been good. Had discipline been exercised on Cimino's (and the studio's) part, a fine Western could have ensued. The production values are fine, and the cast is full of good people, but it's all for naught.
The film's wretchedness is Cimino's fault, first and last; he floods the image with dust and the soundtrack with pointless noise, and thus drowns out his own mediocre dialogue and obscures his hapless actors.
Scene after scene meanders and adds nothing to one's understanding of what is going on, if anything is going on at all. Kris Kristofferson and Christopher Walken maintain some presence, and don't humiliate themselves; the same cannot be said for John Hurt, who does nothing but drink and make wisecracks which aren't funny.
The action is lacking as well: by the intermission point, 127 minutes in, only one person has been killed, and it was done stupidly. The violence picks up towards the end, but, like the rest of the film, it is muddled and unsatisfying.
Perhaps the best comment on the film was made by my R.A., Karl, who, at the whimper of a finale, threw his shoes at the TV.
This review of Heaven's Gate (1980) was written by John M on 07 Nov 2009.
Heaven's Gate has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
