Review of The Deer Hunter (1978) by Lewis E — 30 May 2016

There's a chance I might be undervaluing this film. No doubt powerful in its psychological study of Vietnam soldiers and extremely detailed character development. At three hours long, it dedicates a long time to juxtaposing the mentalities before and after combat experiences, commenting not just on the difference in soldiers but also their loved ones at home.

It's hard to argue that it did not execute these elements well but maybe full impact was lost on someone who has seen cinema's reflections of Vietnam atrocities on numerous occasions. Furthermore, 'The Deer Hunter' isn't the most graphic, most emotional nor does it offer the most compelling set of characters.

However, a feature which certainly distinguishes it is the two Russian roulette scenes. The tension in these moments are truly gripping and disturbing as you watch soldiers forced to play a game that finely balances life and death for the entertainment of others.

The two leads, Robert DeNiro and Christopher Walken, are at their best in these scenes and it is their acceptance that fate is out of their control which underlines the realisation that Russian roulette is a metaphor for war itself.

While as a whole I still do not consider the movie a classic, these two scenes are definitely classic pieces of cinema and ones which vitally gifts 'The Deer Hunter' with dramatic resonance.