Review of Heaven's Gate (1980) by Nathan H — 22 Oct 2008

Way ahead of its time. Michael Cimino's early '80s Western epic is an amazing spectacle, more akin to "Deadwood" and "Unforgiven" than to the Westerns produced at the time. Financially, it failed, and I can see why: this should never have been released theatrically. Who wants to see a slow, meandering, meditative 4-hour movie in the theatres?

I spaced this film out over a full week, and I think that it is a much more satisfying experience (not frustrating at all). If Cimino were to have directed this film in the current era of HBO mini-series, it would be perceived as a rousing success, much like "John Adams" or "Generation Kill." There are truly some amazing visuals, and the opening Harvard scenes are as incredibly spontaneous and realistic as the wedding scenes in "Deer Hunter.".

Worth checking out, but space it out when you watch. Take time to appreciate this thing, rather than marathoning through it.