The Deer Hunter

The Deer Hunter
Cast: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken
Studio: Buena Vista
Rating: 8/10

CORPORATE LINE: An epic three-hour tale of lives forever changed by the Vietnam War, THE DEER HUNTER follows the transformation of a tight group of friends from a working-class town, taking its place alongside such classics as ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT in telling a story of war and disillusionment. On the eve of going to war, Michael (Robert De Niro), Nick (Christopher Walken), and Steven (John Savage) gather for Steven’s wedding. Leaving Steven to his wedding night, Mike, Nick, and pals Axel (Chuck Aspergren), Stan (John Cazale), and John (George Dzundza) depart for the mountains and one last hunting trip. The hunting trip is a funny, poignant scene that firmly establishes the characters as they set off for Vietnam immediately after the trip. The scenes in Vietnam, especially the Russian roulette game, are among the most brutal war scenes on film. The characters’ eventual return to the States is emotional and gut-wrenching. Michael Cimino’s award-winning film is a powerful look at friendship and love in the midst of war.

THE MOVIE: There are quite a few films on Vietnam but this might be the most powerful. Not only is it tormenting for the characters but also viewers—this is a heartbreaker.

The pain that these actors portray is eerie. It’s not often that you watch a film and feel pain. Throughout The Deer Hunter many acts you are convinced that something needs to be done and that these characters need help. Rarely does a film affect you so much that you feel different after viewing it. The Deer Hunter has that affect.

This is a difficult film to watch. We must sit through some very intense situations and confront overwhelming emotions. However, the actors in the principal roles are so convincing and the movement of this story, told on such a grand scale, is so compelling that its greatness is undeniable.

THE EXTRAS:
There is an audio commentary with Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond. Although the commentary is interesting the problem is that its three hours long and wears on you after a while.
“Acceptance of Best Picture Award”
“Anatomy of a Scene” – A short interview with Director Michael Cimino.
“Deleted and Extended Scenes” – This featurette is little more than extras that were pulled together for this DVD—not extremely interesting.
“Production Notes”
“Original Theatrical Trailer”

There is no obvious reason to release this on two DVDs. The new print is a major upgrade the extras are lagging.

FRANKLY: The Deer Hunter is powerful and the emotions that it provokes and the terror that it inspires are often too much. The cast one of the strongest you’ll see with De Niro and Walken leading the way. This isn’t a Vietnam movie—it’s a movie about losing something, everything.

+ Charlie Craine


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