What a profound effect.

Rating: 8/10 (22 June 2012)

IMDb Top 250: 134
Usually when someone references a film, you say something along the lines of, "Oh yeah! That one! Awesome film." Even if its something serious with merit, not just a blockbuster. I don't think I'll be giving that kind of reception when The Deer Hunter comes up in topic, if it ever does. It's an excellent film, but having seen it now I find myself with this feeling of loneliness and sadness.
Despite appearing to be a war film, there's very, very little actual war. Most of the film takes place in a Pennsylvania steel town, showing the social lives of a group of blue collar friends. In fact, that's the first hour. It certainly feels long, and after at least 40 minutes one wonders if the plot is ever going to move. But then, very abruptly, it does and one of the most famous scenes in film comes around which you've no doubt at least heard about. Russian roulette. The tension is unbearable. The film eventually gets back to Pennsylvania and shows the effect of the conflict on the returning soldiers and the town.
Today it seems most war films carry the "this is a war film so we have to show how wasteful war is" motto. That worked for All Quiet on the Western Front and Paths of Glory, but with the news today and knowledge of history, we get it: war is terrible. So films like this get points for thinking differently, in this case focusing on the characters not as soldiers, but as men. Many war films try to add depth by having soldiers talk about "back home": The Deer Hunter shows it for two hours. That's why I have the sick feeling, because of what the film tries to say that is less frequently explored.
It's all so believable because of the terrific acting. Robert De Niro leads as Mike, the cool bearded deer hunter who tries to keep his friends together, who won't give Stan his boots, and who yells in the face of death. I've always admired De Niro's work and this is one of his best.
But De Niro isn't the only artist in the cast: Christopher Walken, Oscar winner shines as Nicky, the boy who became a man, or something. His eyes change as he does. Stevie is emotionally draining in his scenes, for like Nicky he is out of his element and can't cope.
This is a film that doesn't get justice in writing. It needs to be experienced, but not everyone will enjoy it. For two hours there is only talking, and it can grow tedious at times but there is payoff in the end. A piece of art that leaves you unhappy, but satisfied. 8.5/10