Robert De Niro takes the lead in this film that forever changed the course of Meryl Streep’s life. Now available on FlixOlé.
Set in 1968, “The Deer Hunter” unfolds in Clairton, Pennsylvania, a town defined by its steel mill. Within this industrial landscape, we meet Mike, Steven, Nick, Stan, and Axel, a close-knit group of friends whose lives are abruptly disrupted by the Vietnam War. When three of them are drafted, they find themselves thrust into the horrors of combat.
Michael Cimino, the director, had only one film under his belt, the comedic crime caper “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” starring Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. Yet, with his second endeavor, he dared to venture into uncharted territory. The result was nothing short of spectacular. Half a century later, “The Deer Hunter” remains an indisputable cinematic masterpiece. Iconic scenes like the harrowing Russian roulette sequence and the haunting deer hunting episode have etched their place in cinematic history.
This achievement is amplified by the exceptional performances of Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage. These actors, among others, grace the screen with their brilliance in a film that’s often described as nearly flawless. Critics have lauded it with an 86% approval rating, while SensaCine users have bestowed it with an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars. One user aptly describes it as “an incredible, very good, tough, moving, and unforgettable film.” Another adds, “This movie is full of strength and intensity, making it one of the best films about the aftermath experienced by survivors of war (in this case, the Vietnam War).”
But let’s dig a little deeper into the lore of “The Deer Hunter.” This film did more than captivate audiences; it altered the trajectory of Meryl Streep’s career. In a remarkable act of generosity, Robert De Niro personally lobbied director Michael Cimino to cast Streep and her boyfriend, John Cazale, in the film. Cazale was gravely ill with cancer and in desperate need of medical funds. Producers hesitated, fearing the financial risk, but De Niro stepped in, offering to cover the insurance costs to ensure the couple had employment for a few months.
Cazale managed to film all his scenes in the initial weeks of production but tragically passed away before the film’s completion. Streep, while initially uninterested in her role as it primarily served as a romantic interest without much character depth, received an Oscar nomination. From that moment on, she became an indelible figure in Hollywood’s firmament.