Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 war drama film directed by Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, John Cazale, Meryl Streep, and George Dzundza. The film explores the impact of the Vietnam War on the lives of a group of friends from a small industrial town in Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its powerful performances, stark portrayal of war, and its exploration of themes such as friendship, trauma, and survival.
The Story Unfolds
The Wedding and the Hunt
The film begins in Clairton, Pennsylvania, a working-class town, where friends Michael (Robert De Niro), Nick (Christopher Walken), Steven (John Savage), Stan (John Cazale), and Axel (George Dzundza) work in a steel mill. The first act of the film centers around Steven’s wedding to Angela (Rutanya Alda) and the friends’ final deer hunting trip before Michael, Nick, and Steven leave for Vietnam. The wedding scenes depict the close-knit community and the camaraderie among the friends. The hunting trip serves as a foreshadowing of the themes of life, death, and survival that will dominate their experiences in Vietnam.
The Horrors of War
The narrative shifts dramatically to the Vietnam War, where Michael, Nick, and Steven are captured by the Viet Cong. They are forced to play Russian roulette, a harrowing game of chance that symbolizes the randomness of death in war. Michael’s quick thinking allows them to escape, but the trauma leaves deep psychological scars. Steven is severely injured, and Nick is left mentally shattered. The escape scenes are intense and chaotic, highlighting the brutality of war and its dehumanizing effects.
The Climax and Resolution
Returning Home
Upon returning to the United States, Michael finds himself disconnected from his previous life. He struggles with the memories of war and the absence of his friends. Steven is in a veterans’ hospital, having lost both his legs, and Nick has remained in Vietnam, unable to return home due to his psychological trauma. Michael discovers that Nick is participating in illegal Russian roulette games in Saigon and decides to bring him back.
The Final Confrontation
In a gripping climax, Michael travels to Saigon and finds Nick. During a tense game of Russian roulette, Michael tries to reach through to Nick, reminding him of their friendship and their life before the war. Nick, however, is too far gone, and in a tragic turn, he shoots himself. This final scene is both heart-wrenching and poignant, underscoring the devastating impact of war on individuals.
The Conclusion
The Aftermath
The film concludes with Michael returning to Clairton for Nick’s funeral. The remaining friends and Angela gather to mourn Nick’s death. They sing “God Bless America,” a somber reminder of the cost of war and the enduring bonds of friendship. The final scenes reflect on loss, memory, and the enduring hope for healing.
Movie Ending
The Deer Hunter ends with the surviving characters mourning the loss of Nick and reflecting on the traumatic impact of the Vietnam War. The film closes on a somber note, emphasizing themes of loss, memory, and the profound effects of war on individuals and communities.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Deer Hunter.
Type of Movie
The Deer Hunter is a war drama that combines elements of psychological thriller, social commentary, and personal tragedy, focusing on themes of friendship, trauma, and the human cost of war.
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Michael Vronsky
- Christopher Walken as Nick Chevotarevich
- John Savage as Steven Pushkov
- John Cazale as Stan
- Meryl Streep as Linda
- George Dzundza as John Welsh
- Rutanya Alda as Angela
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Stanley Myers, featuring the iconic piece “Cavatina,” which enhances the emotional depth and poignancy of the narrative. The soundtrack includes traditional and period-specific songs that complement the film’s setting and tone.
Filming Locations
The Deer Hunter was filmed in various locations, including:
- Clairton, Pennsylvania: For the depiction of the steel mill town.
- Cleveland, Ohio: For some urban scenes.
- Washington State: For the deer hunting scenes.
- Thailand: For the Vietnam War sequences.
Awards and Nominations
The Deer Hunter received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Cimino), Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken), Best Film Editing, and Best Sound. Nominated for Best Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken). Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep), and Best Screenplay.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken), Best Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film’s production faced significant challenges, including difficult shooting conditions and extensive improvisation by the actors to achieve authentic performances.
- Director Michael Cimino insisted on shooting the Russian roulette scenes with real bullets (though not in the chambers used in the game) to heighten the tension and realism.
- The film’s depiction of Russian roulette has been criticized for its historical inaccuracy, as there is no evidence that such games were played by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
Inspirations and References
The Deer Hunter draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Vietnam War veterans and the cultural and political climate of the 1970s. The film reflects broader themes of trauma, survival, and the impact of war on individuals and communities.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Deer Hunter closely follows Michael Cimino’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is loosely based on an unproduced screenplay by Louis Garfinkle and Quinn K. Redeker. While it is not directly adapted from a book, the film’s themes and characters draw from a variety of sources, including personal accounts and historical events.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The wedding sequence, depicting the close-knit community and the joy before the departure to Vietnam.
- The deer hunting trip, highlighting the themes of life, death, and survival.
- The harrowing Russian roulette scenes in the POW camp.
- Michael’s return to Vietnam to rescue Nick.
- The final scene at Nick’s funeral and the rendition of “God Bless America.”
Iconic Quotes
- “One shot.” – Michael Vronsky, referring to the philosophy of hunting and the approach to life and war.
- “I’m staying. You leave, Michael.” – Nick Chevotarevich, during the final Russian roulette game.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes subtle references to American cultural and political issues of the 1970s, reflecting the broader societal context of the Vietnam War.
- The use of “Cavatina” in the soundtrack adds a layer of poignancy and emotional depth to key scenes.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $15 million, and it grossed over $50 million worldwide.
- The Deer Hunter is John Cazale’s final film, as he was battling terminal cancer during production. He passed away shortly after filming was completed.
- The film’s portrayal of Russian roulette has been the subject of much debate and criticism for its historical inaccuracy and intense depiction.
Why Watch?
The Deer Hunter offers a powerful and emotionally gripping exploration of the human cost of war, featuring standout performances, particularly by Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, and masterful direction by Michael Cimino. Its blend of intense drama, psychological depth, and social commentary makes it a must-watch for fans of war films and character-driven stories.
Director’s Other Movies
Michael Cimino also directed:
- Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)
- Heaven’s Gate (1980)
- Year of the Dragon (1985)
- The Sicilian (1987)
- Desperate Hours (1990)
