Review of The Deer Hunter (1978) by Andrew B — 15 Apr 2011

An unfortunate disappointment as both a cinematic experience and a commentary upon the Vietnam War's dehumanizing effects. "The Deer Hunter" fails to take full advantage of its extraordinary cast, substituting melodrama (i.

E. a near-perfect prewar existence) and a deluge of weeping in place of genuine substance. The horrendous experiences and psychological trauma of Vietnam veterans are not treated with the depth of consideration they deserve, approached more in the manner of a theatrical Western than as a dissection of historical events (with the "bad guys" portrayed as lacking the least ounce of humanity).

With bland cinematography and downright choppy (borderline incoherent) editing, "The Deer Hunter" does not achieve either the stark realism for which it strives nor the surreal horror of "Apocalypse Now.

" The greatest asset of Cimino's film is that it does attempt (if only on a superficial level) to shed light upon the destructive and soul-crushing consequences of war.