Michael Cimino's Tragic Decline: Why He Couldn't Match The Deer Hunter's Success

In the grand tapestry of Hollywood's history, few names stand out as both a zenith and a nadir as much as Michael Cimino. Renowned for his critically acclaimed film The Deer Hunter, Cimino's subsequent projects faltered significantly, leading to a legendary collapse that defined Hollywood's cautionary tales. This article delves into the reasons behind Cimino's decline and the economic and creative challenges that sidelined such a promising career.

The Amazing Success of The Deer Hunter

Michael Cimino's career took an unprecedented turn with the release of The Deer Hunter in 1978. This film not only became a massive commercial success, raking in over $60 million at the box office, but also garnered universal critical acclaim. From six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, to winning Best Adapted Screenplay, the accolades solidified Cimino's status as a formidable force in the film industry.

The Catastrophic Failure of Heavens Gate

True to what would become a recurring theme in Cimino's career, his next project, Heavens Gate, marked a colossal and tragic flame-out. What began as a modest western with a budget of $11 million rapidly spiraled out of control, ultimately costing a staggering $62 million. The film, which was initially titled crossroads and intended as a smaller, more accessible follow-up to The Deer Hunter, turned into a monstrously expensive and disastrous undertaking.

The film's expansive scope led to a final cut that clocked in at 3 hours and 39 minutes. United Artists, the studio financing the film, staked its entire future on this one project, but it was a gamble that would backfire spectacularly. Critic reviews were overwhelmingly negative, with the film receiving only 59 positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and a split opinion: Heavens Gate contains too many ideas and striking spectacle to be a disaster but this western buckles under the weight of its own sprawl.

The Economic and Creative Consequences

The bankruptcy of United Artists was a direct consequence of Heavens Gatersquo;s failure. The studio, founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks, faced total collapse before the box office success of Moonraker saved it. Even the completion of Moonraker could not revive the studio, and it was ultimately taken over by MGM.

Michael Cimino's Methods and Personal Flaws

Michael Cimino's methods in filmmaking were notorious for being excessively extravagant and inefficient. He often spent vast sums of money on elaborate sets, such as the immense Moonglow ranch, which appeared in the film for only a minute. Additionally, Cimino's perfectionism and ego led to extended shooting schedules, often causing delays and costing more than necessary. For instance, John Hurt spent weeks waiting for his scenes, some of which were ultimately cut.

Sheer Inefficiency and Excess

The Heavens Gate fiasco can be attributed to a combination of financial mismanagement and production inefficiencies. Cimino spent outrageous amounts on production elements that often appeared for fleeting moments on screen. These overextended takes and elaborate set-ups cost dearly, and the film's three-hour runtime was a testament to his exhaustive approach. This exemplified a failure to balance artistic vision with practical considerations, a critical skill in the film industry.

The Resignation or Renaissance?

Despite his undeniable talent, Michael Cimino's career took a sharp downturn. While he continued to produce smaller projects, it became clear that the massive risks and egotistical leadership suited to blockbuster productions were not suitable for more manageable endeavors. The industry, wary of the financial and creative disasters that plagued his career, struggled to find a place for Cimino in the modern era of filmmaking.

Conclusion

In reflecting on Michael Cimino's career, one is left to contemplate the complex interplay between art and commerce in the film industry. While The Deer Hunter stands as a testament to his genius, the subsequent failure of Heavens Gate serves as a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked ambition in the face of financial reality. Cimino's legacy is as both a visionary and a cautionary tale, a dichotomy that defines his career's enduring impact.