Flashes of greatness

Rating: Null/10 (6 March 2003)

*This review may contain spoilers, so if you'd like to be surprised, enter at your own risk*
I think my opinion on this film differs greatly from most of the opinions. I personally was greatly disappointed by this film, and I think that the primary reasons lie in the fact that four separate writers were credited for the film. I have heard the claim that the deer hunting scenes are metaphors for the loss of innocence, and that the Russian roulette scenes are metaphors for the random horror of life. If this is the case, the least Cimino could have done is construct these scenes well enough that they are made real to the audience, rather than contrived, which, unfortunately, they do. While the marathon wedding sequence is a true work of art, and every scene in Welch's Tavern is amazing, that bittersweetly poetic ending feels forced in light of how disgustingly much the Russian roulette and hunting gimmicks smack of smug, pseudo-profound 1970s Hollywood. Contrary to most reviewers, I find De Niro's brilliance not in the extravagant displays of emotion during the games of Russian roulette and in the finale, but rather in his quiet restraint and distance stateside. Also contrary to most critiques of this film, while I am riveted to Christopher Walken whatever his film, he seemed to skate to his Oscar on presence alone, as his character arc was inexplicably assumed rather than effectively shown. While Streep provides a more than adequate characterization, she struggles with poorly written dialogue and a blatantly underdeveloped character. The supporting ensemble turn in sufficient performances with what they have to work with. Wherever Cimino shot the Vietnam scenes, I'm unconvinced. The war scenes seemed like they could have just as easily taken place on a flooded river in the Northwest, and the only indication that the blue-collar boys are in the jungles of Southeast Asia is the fact that there are Southeast Asians torturing our American heroes. Nevermind the unlikelihood of De Niro serving fully bearded and finding his hometown friends. All in all, the Vietnam scenes are not plausible (with the exception of the fall of Saigon), and I am appalled at those who say that the parts in Vietnam are the best asset of this film. By contrast, the stateside sequences are beautifully shot in all their gritty glory, and truly showcase the spirit of this film. I have to concur with the opinions that Cimino never made a great film, but I would add that his first act of THE DEER HUNTER is a masterpiece.