In this episode, we dive deep into Michael Cimino’s 1978 epic The Deer Hunter. A film that won Oscars, divided critics, and left a lasting (and complicated) mark on American cinema. We explore its legacy, both celebrated and criticized: from its haunting depiction of Vietnam War trauma to the controversy around its historical accuracy and portrayal of Vietnamese characters.
We’ll unpack why Christopher Walken’s performance remains a career defining, soul crushing revelation, even decades later. But we’ll also confront the uncomfortable truth...despite its ambition and artistry, The Deer Hunter doesn’t entirely hold up. From its bloated pacing to a romanticized view of what it means to be a man, there's a lot that feels out of step with today’s lens.
Is it a masterpiece? Is it propaganda? Or is it something messier, more human, and more tragic? Let’s talk about the film that made roulette a metaphor for war and America.
Along with the film, here are some of the sources used in the creation of this episode:
One Shot – The Making Of The DeerHunter by Jay Glennie
https://theasc.com/articles/flashback-photographing-the-deer-hunter
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-deer-hunter-1979
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_deer_hunter
