Review of The Deer Hunter (1978) by Ricardo O — 14 Aug 2010

The Deer Hunter is Michael Cimino's Oscar winning war drama that centers on a small working class town named Clairton in Western Pennsylvania during early 1967 where Russian American steel workers Michael, played by Robert De Niro; Nick, played by Christopher Walken; Steven, played by John Savage; with the support of their buddies Stanley, played by John Cazale, in his last film; John, played by George Dzundza; and Axel, played by Chuck Aspegren, are preparing not only the marriage of Steven to his girlfriend but also the entrance of Michael, Nick and Steven into their military service. The three men are sent to Vietnam and after running into each other while Mike has killed the last VC in the area, they are caught and become P.O.W.'s and are forced to play a lethal game of Russian Roulette with each other, an event that will cause an incredible amount of damage to each of the men's minds. The men eventually escape their imprisonment and are being rescued by a friendly helicopter flying over but only Nick is able to get on to the chopper before Mike and Steven fall back into the water which causes Steven to break his leg and have to be treated. All three are eventually separated from each other and both Mike and Steven are sent back to the States while Nick goes AWOL, staying in Vietnam losing himself to the horrors he has witnessed there.

Winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing and Best Sound, The Deer Hunter was one of the first films dealing with the Vietnam War and one of the best examples of showing how the war had an affect on the American working class. This epic second feature from Michael Cimino has also been criticized for its inaccurate use of Russian roulette in the Vietnam sequences. Still, with these criticisms, these scenes create an unforgettable metaphor for warfare and its atmosphere of sudden acts of random violence. The film ends with an ambiguous note with a poignant but hopeful feeling. The script is very well written and sympathetically directed by Cimino with great effect. Though there are parts that seem to drag just a little bit such as the wedding scene, although these scenes don't feel as overlong with repeated viewings. It is also somewhat flawed by its portrayal of the Vietcong guards but overall the film has a very profound impact on the viewer due to the performances, the good script and Cimino's incredible direction. Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep all give heartbreaking performances, especially Walken. The film is also benefitted by the amazing cinematography by the great Vilmos Zsigmond as well as the fantastic job of editing. The Deer Hunter easily ranks as one of the most riveting war films ever made, and that says a lot considering only about 65 minutes out of the 183 minute run time takes place in Vietnam. A fantastic film at the twilight of the era of the director. A must see movie! Highly recommended. 10/10.