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Michael CiminoAmerican film director, screenwriter and producer
Date of Birth: 03.02.1939
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Michael Cimino: Acclaimed Director and Controversial Figure
- Critical Success with "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot"
- "The Deer Hunter": A Cinematic Triumph
- "Heaven's Gate": Financial Disaster and Artistic Setback
- Subsequent Films and Later Career
- Screenwriting Contributions
Michael Cimino: Acclaimed Director and Controversial Figure
Early Life and CareerMichael Cimino was born in New York City on either February 3, 1939 or November 16, 1943. After graduating from Yale University, he worked in television advertising before pursuing a career in filmmaking. Cimino began his cinematic journey by writing screenplays, including Douglas Trumbull's science fiction classic "Silent Running."
Critical Success with "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot"
Cimino's directorial debut came with "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" in 1974, starring Clint Eastwood. The film showcased his talent and earned critical acclaim.
"The Deer Hunter": A Cinematic Triumph
In 1978, Cimino released his masterpiece, "The Deer Hunter," a poignant exploration of the Vietnam War. The film, starring Robert De Niro, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This triumph cemented Cimino's status as a leading American filmmaker.
"Heaven's Gate": Financial Disaster and Artistic Setback
Following the success of "The Deer Hunter," Cimino embarked on an ambitious western epic, "Heaven's Gate." The film's massive budget and protracted production led to its critical failure and bankruptcy for United Artists. This setback significantly damaged Cimino's reputation.
Subsequent Films and Later Career
In the late 1980s, Cimino directed action thrillers such as "Year of the Dragon" (1985) and "The Sicilian" (1987). In 1990, he remade William Wyler's "Desperate Hours," featuring Mickey Rourke and Anthony Hopkins. Cimino's later works include the suspenseful drama "The Sunchaser" (1996) and the short film "Translation Required" (2007), which was part of the anthology film "To Each His Own Cinema."
Screenwriting Contributions
In addition to his directorial work, Cimino also wrote screenplays for "Magnum Force" (1973) and "The Dogs of War" (1980).
