The Role of The Frenchman

Rating: 6/10 (13 May 2008)

Overall The Deer Hunter was a decent movie. but its not one to watch purely for entertainment as the content and message portrayed are very heavy. The director chose to include many elements in the film symbolizing several different things. For example, the Frenchman... In The Deer Hunter, the Frenchman is symbolic of French involvement in Vietnam. The first time we are introduced to him is in Saigon when he lures Nick into the game of Russian Roulette. That is symbolic of the French originally drawing the United States into Vietnam. The second time we see him is towards the end of the film as Mike is searching for Nick in Saigon to bring him home. Mike finds the Frenchman who pretends not to know what is going on and has no involvement. The same happened to the United States struggles towards the end of the war while the French claim they had no connection. The Frenchman can also be blamed for the death of Nick because he lured him in. Much like the United States losing the war.