Filmmaker reacts to The Deer Hunter (1978) for the FIRST TIME!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Want to see me watch the series FARGO SEASON 2? Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day everyone!

[@TheKayaklover]

>>>>> FINALLY, the very BEST war film of ALL TIMES!! .... Of course, in my opinion. BTW: YOU are the MAN!!! .... very BEST here!!!!

[@HotelBedSheets]

Haa YES!! 🔥 FINALLY 😭

[@KurticeYZreacts]

@@TheKayaklover I agree 👍

[@johncampbell756]

The wedding was a Russian Orthodox/Eastern Orthodox Catholic wedding. Very similar to the Ukrainian wedding I attended. Extremely long. And they have to hold those actual gold crowns over their heads the whole time. They had to switch hands in unison without moving the crowns. Their arms were shaking by the end. If I remember correctly, other than DeNiro, Cazale and Walken, the other steelworkers were not actors but locals, including the ones with dialog. And John Cazale was actually dating Maryl Streep at the time, until his death shortly after filming this.

[@jamestreanor4361]

Hey James, I took the inside of a Twinkie and put it on a hot dog. haha

[@Cooplander]

This was John Cazale's last film. He was dying of terminal lung cancer when he signed on to do the film and the shooting schedule was arranged so his scenes were shot first. He died before the film was released, but he left behind a stellar body of work. Godfather I and II, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon and The Deer Hunter. Way too short of a life and career.

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

And Meryl Streep was his girlfriend at the time.

[@Cooplander]

@@cockoffgewgle4993 indeed, quite a talented couple.

[@csmelen]

Well said my friend.

[@jakeconnors3874]

When I just read that…I hurt how short of life, but what an honor to be able to watch the few films he made. Beautiful.

[@aaaht3810]

Yes. Cazale was great in all his films.

[@ChrisMaxCisneros]

Clicked faster than anything. Gonna watch all ads just to hype me up for this reaction of this masterpiece. This film will make any film maker happy.

[@JamesVSCinema]

It definitely made me happy!

[@JamesASharp]

He's literally the 3rd person to have reacted to The Deer Hunter. You can check. But be warned: the other reactions to this film aren't good. Just being honest.

[@jocgo]

@@JamesASharp I’ve been wanting a serious reaction to this movie. You’re right the ones up now aren’t remotely good. Really enjoyed this one.

[@pollystye3270]

The wedding is Russian Orthodox. I was raised Greek Orthodox and I recognise some of the traditions here (e.g. the crowns called "Stefanas" used to signify the bond between the couple getting married). It's an older Christian tradition, so there's a lot of ritual involved.

[@melissabrecosky6520]

I believe the wedding is Greek Catholic.

[@dirus3142]

My godmother is Russian Orthodox who married a Greek Orthodox man.

[@DerOberfeldwebel]

@@melissabrecosky6520 No, its Russian-Orthodox, these guys are supposed to be Russian-Americans.

[@youngwes79]

I'm pretty sure it's Russian Orthodox wedding. I lived next door to a Russian Orthodox church in San Francisco in a Russian neighborhood for a very long time. I sometimes peaked in the Church and walked past it almost everyday.

[@melissabrecosky6520]

@@DerOberfeldwebel They are Rusyn-American, not Russian American. Rusyns are not Russians en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Deer_Hunter_(novel)

[@vovindequasahi]

The roulette scene is intense as fuck because they spent a good hour of the movie letting you get to know and care for these guys. That is the trick of what makes this movie so great! You have established a feeling like you know these characters by now. You're a really great reactor, man. You know your stuff, because of your filmmaker background, and you can dissect scenes really well. I really appreciate your commentary!

[@christiansrensen1799]

What is he's filmmaker background?

[@anthonyscully2998]

Agree. It's rare for a director to devote so much time to average working class men

[@TheOdMan]

19:03 One of the reasons it also feels so real is because of the way they keep talking over each other, just like in real life, not enough filmmakers do this, it feels so much more natural. Weird comparison, but I remember thinking the same thing about the kids in Goonies, the way they keep talking over each other all the time just makes it feel more chaotic and real.

[@Mc.Garnagle]

"Letting a scene breath" is such a perfectly succinct way of putting it. Poorly conceived films, I don't care how big or small the budget, usually try to hide their lack of quality behind rapid fire cutting. The Deer Hunter actually has the confidence to hold those shots; it WANTS to be seen. It's why casting is so key in addition to good writing. This is a director trusting the intuition of his actors and their ability to convincingly interact with one another. It works.

[@joannwoodworth8920]

Saw it in the theater when it was first released. I felt completely numb by the end of this film. A master class in filmmaking.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

Wow

[@cappinjocj9316]

Love how you don’t shy away from the heavier movies man. Loving the film selections recently.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Always. Love exploring the art form!

[@b.a.j5168]

Finally!!!!! Someone is reacting to this masterpiece!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha anytime!!

[@markdodson6453]

I know! Finally!

[@Charlesbaker3017]

TBR Schmidt..also does a deep dive into this masterpiece..

[@ImSlipped]

Oh my christ. I've never clicked faster. I've been waiting for someone to react to this film forever. That Russian roulette scene is a fucking masterpiece of cinema. The acting is among the best. Thank you for this, man!

[@JamesVSCinema]

anytime my man!

[@sitebstudios]

This is a masterpiece of uncompromising loss and grief. One of the best films ever made. Thanks for reacting to it!

[@bigneon_glitter]

The thing about Cimino - he wasn't a trained screenwriter or filmmaker, he was an amateur wunderkind & came up from commercials in the 60s. His style is uniquely organic & he liked telling stories through setting & characters' behaviour, allowing those elements to inform & dictate the leisurely pace of his films. He goes full tilt on that with _Heaven's Gate_ - a 3/4 masterpiece, 1/4 mess. Worth checking out, visually it's the Western equivalent of _Blade Runner._

[@KurticeYZreacts]

I'm intrigued 🤔. I think I heard of it but maybe from the deer hunter commentary with Cimino

[@gregghelmberger]

Cimino's style was unique, and when it worked it worked really, really well. When it went off the rails, though, it went *miles* off the rails.

[@jonnyyen7169]

It's filmed almost entirely during the golden hour. It definitely looks good.

[@AlexG1020]

The Deer Hunter contains much of what went wrong in Heaven's Gate as well, don't fool yourself. They are so similar it speaks to a deeper zeitgeist as to why one is so embraced and one so rejected. Cimino is a pure product of overhype to where no film after Deer Hunter would have held up to the impossible standards, especially with the Awards. Hollywood both created and destroyed him and led to the studio heads taking over artistic control from the 'Movie Brats' directors of the 70s towards the more commercial and corporate direction in the 1980s. The traditional Heaven's Gate suffers from a massive color correction issue, the recent 3-hour-and- 36-minute recut is much much better. Just like with Once Upon A Time in America (my favorite film) studio heads can really mess up a would-be masterpiece.

[@jonnyyen7169]

@@AlexG1020 astute analysis. Agreed.

[@mscommerce]

James, you are a terrific reactor, not just because you are a filmmaker, but because your ability to empathize and pick up on the emotional moods and subtleties being conveyed is phenomenal. A pleasure to watch your reactions.

[@cliffendicott7832]

The scene at the end where they sing God Bless America ruined me. I watched that movie and enjoyed it but was mostly detached from the feelings the characters were going through. That scene connected me to their sense of loss like nothing else could. Truly great piece of filmmaking.

[@sheilaomalley4055]

James, your thoughts and observations are an inspiration to this life-long film lover. I have seen most of these 70s classics - but am inspired to go back and re-watch. Your reaction to Amadeus too was soooo moving to me. Thank you for your enthusiasm and best of lucky to you in your own film projects and your plans for traveling around and meeting people . You're open and alert to the world around you. It's a real gift. so thanks!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ah this meant everything. Thank you so much for the words of kindest

[@henryesj6242]

Probably one of the best movies ever made.

[@MrJimithee]

This really is a film you can only watch for the first time ONCE Mesmerizing, harrowing, beautiful, life changing if you're interested in film... Or indeed humanity x

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yes and yes! Basically said what I said in the conclusion hahaha so I agree!

[@markdodson6453]

This is a movie that has been so important to me since I saw it when it opened, at 15 years old. Even then, Michael and Linda's walk through town when Michael returns home completely wiped me out. It still does. What do you say about a scene like that? Simple. True. Trusting the humanity of the audience. Really, there are just no words.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

I disagree I rewatch this a lot, but this movie blew me away with acting & cinematography. I love this film. But I agree it's life changing & beautiful (and ugly too)

[@Flooding474]

I remember this movie like looking like an old photo album. The shots holding like they do burn negatives into your mind like light on film.

[@beanz6745]

Those drops of wine falling on her wedding dress are so foreboding!

[@JustinWillisDevil240Z]

James I love your perspective. You are a young filmmaker who knows his shit but there are great films of history that you haven't seen yet and you have valuable and unique things to say about them as you discover them in real time. I love it.

[@falcon215]

I saw this in the theater when it first came out and like you didn't have a clue what it was about. It completely drained me. Great to see someone finally reacting to it. John Cazale, who was romantically linked to Meryl Streep at the time was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer yet chose to continue on with his part which I think added much poignancy to several scenes as well as the overall emotional impact on the whole group dynamic.

[@757optim]

Saw this as a new release in the theater, 8 years post Vietnam. My most lasting memory was walking to my car in the parking lot and feeling my body suddenly relax and realizing that I had been unaware that I was wound tighter than an over-wound clockspring.

[@boozefueledreviews6928]

My father came back from Vietnam in 1968. He never spoke of what happened there and drank himself into an early grave at 47. These kids that went to war came back broken... and this movie has those moments where you realize how fu*ked up things were there at the time. I have a feeling if our veterans got the care they needed at the time, there wouldn't be so many tragic stories with those returned.

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture. This is a powerful war film, of what the horrors of Vietnam will do to a person.

[@mrIamspacemonkey]

How I love this movie. I am greatful that this movie is allowed to spend +30 min at the wedding, such a great and different way to let us build a relationship with the main characters.

[@fudhater8592]

Hunting scenes were shot in northern Washington State. The deer was hit with a tranquilizer dart.

[@seamusdoherty]

Delighted you reacted to this James, not enough KZbinrs do.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Anytime Seamus!

[@olgawindler9506]

They were 1st generation Americans of Russian imigrants who settled in PA. The wedding was in a Russian Orthodox church. My parents were married that way.

[@HoppyDave]

The use of "Cavatina" in this movie is almost a character in itself. I have seen this movie a half-dozen times at least and it gets better every time and still stands up to this day. Your so right about letting scenes breathe and I also like how you pointed out the cycle of his life idea. Nicky's death is heartbreaking, but you also know when a script is right when it doesn't blink in the face of the logical conclusion. So glad you reacted to this and, to echo others on here, really appreciate the scope of films you're doing and tackling difficult, emotional films and ones that aren't always huge blockbusters. If you haven't seen it, would love to see your reaction to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Keep up the great work!

[@stevenspringer1599]

At some point I began to see the russian roulette scenes as a stand-in for what combat soldiers on the line have to go through having to go out and repeatedly risk their lives. The Cavatina is one of the most beautiful pieces of music.

[@sorryiwasjustbrowsing3651]

I'll say, as a combat veteran (who saw bad stuff, but nothing like these folks), the pain is significantly less in combat compared to coming home (though I'm sure that varies from person to person). It seems like adrenaline pulls you through, delays your reflection, keeps you focused on the here-and-now. Then, when you get home, the events secretly stored in your memory return as symbols to define you. And define the world. Unfortunately, a lot of folks only know that adrenaline can protect them, leading to lives of hate, fear, and anger - powerful ways to keep you in your glands and not your memories. At least not consciously. Underneath, the memories still rule. The memories repeat that, what you saw, that it MUST at least be partially your fault. The rest of the blame goes to a world you can't trust, whose ground never completely stops quaking. This movie shows this through Deniro - injured but not broken. He can exist in his old life, with his family and friends, accommodating his burdens. But he can also identify with his Nam buddies, who cannot move forward. He serves as a bridge for the audience, who might not understand that sort of pain, because he can live in both worlds. If we had followed Walken, the audience would have no access to his torture. This was an excellent choice in writing. The audience needs to be given access to experiences so foreign.

[@greaserman95]

I'm always so surprised that I rarely see many people react to this movie... I was just thinking about that the other day, ironically.

[@Cosmic86x]

Finally someone is reacting to this 100% masterpiece. I always loved the radical transitions in the storyline: Last few days in the small town, spending time with friends and family, celebrating the marriage, last time going hunting etc. and then the radical cut to Vietnam and its horrors. Back to the village with all the aftermath and terrible experiences of the war. Fantastic storytelling and directing, great actors, great cinematography and score, you name it.

[@Uncle_T]

This one hits hard. A great piece of cinema.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Agreed!

[@agentintellect1861]

This is one of those movies I think is brilliant and never want to see again.

[@thefatman2780]

MASTERPIECE. NOT MANY IF ANY WILL EVER BE MADE LIKE THIS. THE LONG LINGERING GORGEOUS SHOTS. THE INTENSITY & THE REAL WORLD FEEL. BRILLIANT.

[@shanejupp8699]

Man thank you so much for this. What a film, such long powerful scenes in this movie and some even without words. When Nick is sitting on the balcony after getting saved and the doctors asking him his parents names. Not one word is said by him but we can see right there and then how tortured and broken he is, Christopher walkin likes to use emotional memory to play scenes of such nature, He drew on his childhood when his parents would force him to go to summer camp… he felt isolated, lonely, afraid and also betrayed by his parents for making him go, merryl streep is an angel

[@michaelwoods9005]

The Deer hunting scenes were set in the Allegheny mountains, but were actually filmed at Mount Baker in Washington state. The scenes set in Clairton PA were filmed in Cleveland and Mingo Junction OH.

[@chrisinfiesto835]

Not even done watching ur reaction & I gotta say, “U Got It!”...... a lot of people say the 1st half drags on; but u definitely appreciate the character building & u r right about the contrasts! 💯🔥🤙🏽😎

[@JamesVSCinema]

All love here! I’m always here for it if done tastefully!

[@transformersrevenge9]

I'm glad you liked the wedding part. I myself have been to many Russian Orthodox weddings (since it's my religion), and they are always beautiful. But I feel like it also ties into the film itself. The beauty and the spirituality of the church and wedding contrast with the ugliness and chaos of the war. Also, it's interesting how the leads are american-russians, and they go off to Vietnam, to fight on behalf of america, against russian/communist backed enemies.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

Wow I didn't ever think about that

[@Pythoner]

yeah and modern Russian weddings (in Russia) are absolutely nothing like that and haven't been for 100 years, there is no church even involved, instead it's typically a reception at a 'wedding palace' (a secular institution), where the marriage is formally registered, and then a big feast/party/boozing session at a house or a rented venue.

[@mclovin457]

Had the amazing pleasure of watching this for the first time about a month ago. And it was in a theater! Incredible experience and a fantastic movie that truly shows the mourning side of warfare. And De Niro/Walken delivering some great acting

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy you were able to watch and experience this one!

[@tigqc]

Well, the American side of mourning anyway.

[@mclovin457]

@@tigqc Well yes its an American movie ofc. I, at least, dont see the movie as any form of American glorification, rather the complete opposite. Showed how terrible it left its men.

[@tigqc]

@@mclovin457 Well my main problem with it was the fictional take on the North Vietnamese as nothing more than sadistic monsters. A very simplified and racist portrayal. The Russian Roulette scenes were also entirely made up and historically inaccurate. Very irresponsibly handled.

[@stuartspencer2161]

@@tigqc And the point you made is that the movie is fictional. Cimino had added the Russian Roulette, not for historical accuracy, but as a metaphor to what the US was doing to it's young men being sent to fight in Vietnam. Historically though, it was not prevalent in the war, but that's not to say it never happened. The POW Camps in Vietnam are well known to be brutal and inhumane. And been a long time since I watched the full film, but pretty sure this is a Viet Cong camp, and not NVA which you seem to be referring to. A big difference between the official soldiers in Vietnam, and the guerrilla forces.

[@gots2getpaid262]

In my opinion this movie has some of the best acting portrayed on film ever.

[@benhinds2971]

so much of this was real. When he said "there's rats in here Mike" that wasn't in the script. He wasn't saying Mike--Deniro, he was saying Mike-- Michael Cimino the Director.

[@wholelottagangshid]

No way you did it, I love this movie. Wish more people could react to it

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy to be one of the few to check it!

[@TwistedNerve1]

The deer hunter is a bit of a forgotten film in my opinion. But I remember when I was a kid it was THE film I wanted to see when I got "old" enough.

[@GigsNotPigs]

I always wanted to know more about De Niro's character & Meryl Streep's character. That scene at the wedding is tiny but powerful.

[@kckev00]

been waiting for this one a long time thumbs up! This movie will linger with you for days after viewing

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy to have gotten to it!!

[@davevannatta985]

Christopher Walken's line about the trees has always stayed with me.

[@blueskies3060]

The “Thank You to Patrons” list is still going… (You deserve it James!)

[@DSmith264]

Been waiting for this one. Good job!

[@Justwalks]

This is one of my favourite films of all time. For me, it's perfect.

[@pamelaallen-sanders5464]

When I saw this movie at the theater, the audience stayed quiet at the end as we walked out of the theater; then I heard one man crying.

[@Ufamism]

Your analysis of the first half of the film was so astute! They're building up the characters so when you witness the change, you're legitimately shocked.

[@EricAntonsen-uz2tq]

One of my top ten movies of all time! I’m so glad I was able to watch your reaction to this masterpiece of cinematography.

[@Curraghmore]

The guys cast as steelworkers here spent time with real steelworkers to prepare for the film, and 'Axel' was a regular steelworker that Michael Cimino cast in the film as a result. He never appeared in another film.

[@stevemd6488]

Commenting before he starts the film. Very interested in his reaction to this very powerful film. Ok, watched, that was the best review of any film I've ever seen. Well done young man.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hey cheers my man! Thank you!

[@maximeminville6804]

Man... You always pick the right movies. Keep going bro ✌️💯

[@JamesVSCinema]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Scotsmanthebedbug]

No film has made me feel such a sensation of panic than the Russian Roulette scenes in this masterpiece

[@fausty150]

I've never watched this film again. Dam you dude. I never want to go back there. But here I am. Love your reactions dude.

[@terryemery4348]

My parents took me to see this movie when it was released. I was 12 years old. I was blown away. I don't know why they thought or knew I would appreciate it, but they were right. Later that year, Good Morning America ran a report about Veteran's hospitals and Vietnam vets, using Stanly Myer's Cavatina theme. I cried watching a news report, not only for the story, but for that music and the memories of the movie. FYI, the hunting scenes were filmed in Washington state. There really aren't any mountains like that in the Allegheny Mountains.

[@Radioghost717]

Wow!! I am so glad you are reacting to this!! Just mentioned it the other day in a comment. So glad to watch this!!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Let’s conclude that the universe is on your side ;)

[@LoL-lx6jm]

OMG YOU ACTUALLY REACTED TO IT

[@JamesVSCinema]

LMFAO YUP

[@brettv5967]

Such an emotionally grueling movie. Every acting performance is spectacular. This is absolutely in my all-time Top 20.

[@Charlie_Wolfe]

My mom was watching this when I was a kid, naturally I peek in during the Russian Roulette scene and it always stayed with me. Still sends shivers up my spine whenever someone mentions the game

[@reesebn38]

When I was 13, I sneaked into the theater to watch this. John Savage doesn't get enough love, he was a big star in the 70s. 2 great movies starring John Savage from the 70s are "Hair", an R-rated musical by the brilliant director Milos Forman. And "The Onion Field" a true murder story that became California's longest court case, 7 years in court. The Case also made the Police add a new Rule to their Handbook. It was James Woods first movie and he got an Oscar nomination.

[@jamesmoore4003]

This is wild…I love how this is shot.

[@JamesASharp]

Woah! You're literally the 3rd person to have reacted to this film. And due to your channel's popularity, it'll get the exposure that it deserves. I personally believe that it's the best of the best war film based on The Vietnam War. Great reaction bro! If you can endure the task of editing this long film, then you can do Munich (2005). C'mon bro, it's a Steven Spielberg film, and as a filmmaker yourself, you'll love the direction of it. Munich! Munich! Munich! Munich!

[@JamesASharp]

It's really sad that Director Michael Cimino literally let the success of this film get to his head. Talk about PRIDE!! And due to his pride, he made Heaven's Gate (1980), and never recovered from that disaster, whether you love or hate Heaven's Gate. He almost directed Footloose, which would've been his comeback. But, it just wasn't meant to be. RIP Michael Cimino.

[@JamesVSCinema]

All love here!! This film was never on my radar until you guys recommended it so thank y’all!

[@JohnnyG911]

This film is truly a masterpiece

[@EBRoyJr]

The mountain hunting scenes were shot at Mt Baker National Park in Washington State.

[@elcal9600]

One of the most incredible films of our lifetime without doubt. The acting is ridiculous, the directing beautiful and the score stays with you for eternity...

[@olzenheimr]

Loved this one! Can't be taken lightly!

[@emmetLshavinski]

I just watched this movie for the first time last week. I'm looking forward to seeing your reaction!

[@Bluemgwes]

12:00 They used a split-diopter lens to achieve that shot. I agree that it's such a beautiful composition. And this is a film that I can only watch once because of how emotionally intense/draining it is.

[@linarandel]

Finally someone is reacting to this great movie! Thank you 💖🌸

[@Pandaemoni]

The wedding was Russian Orthodox and the deer was not shot, it was given a sedative and they restricted how far it could wander (though it was a trained animal). They set up multiple cameras so they could be sure to capture its going down.

[@corvuslight]

An American tale, layed out like a 7 course meal, progressing through each moment with care and respect for the power of it's essence.

[@ChrisMaxfieldActs]

20:10 Deer Hunter filming locations' actual deer hunting sequence was shot in Heather Meadows in Mount Baker, Washington

[@johnbigdaddyross2158]

My Dad worked in the steel mill featured in this film….I remember when they were filming this movie.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

Wow cool 😎. I love reading this experiences. Really paints a picture of the whole production more vividly for me

[@TheseDarkWoods]

Thank fuck you’re watching this! One of my favourite movies, and such an important one. Your videos are great! Hats off to you, dear sir!

[@MattMonk]

About damn time! :)

[@Loke6661666246]

It's so funny to me that James says this is an art house film. This is how movies used to be. Major releases.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

True. But in a way I think he still has a point probably. The Deer Hunter is still absurdly unique. And based off the few I've seen from that era.. I think it stands apart well even for it's time (so far based off what I've seen & imo)

[@Loke6661666246]

@@KurticeYZreacts Deer Hunter is super unique. The way it's shot, editing, the way the story is told. My point was it was more common back then to run into a film like this in theatres. They didn't shy away from it, like they do now.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

@@Loke6661666246 yes you're right they wouldn't. And the few (negative) comments i saw revolved around the wedding scenes length. I understand it's boring but that's what is so cool upon rewatches when I was older and feeling it's weight & meaning. Then 3rd rewatch the wedding scene is some of my favorite parts to watch. I was laughing way harder cause I didn't want it to end. That is truly amazing to me a scene can transform like that. and obviously a huge reason why it's unique. Even back then they typically weren't that long lol. Omg. Gotta love this film & convo 👍

[@Loke6661666246]

@@KurticeYZreacts the wedding scene is so purposeful. There's a payoff.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

@@Loke6661666246most definitely.

[@PaddyIrishman]

Absolute Classic.

[@steffan61784]

The mountain/hunting scenes were in the Pac-Northwest, most of the wedding scenes were filmed outside of Cleveland, some scenes in West Virginia, the rest very near me in Clairton, PA very close to Pittsburgh, ten minutes from me

[@paulkersey7458]

The church scene was filmed at st. Theodosius cathedral in Cleveland, OH. It is an Eastern Orthodox Church. I have been to a wedding there and have met the choir director from the film. His name is Ken Kovach.

[@sketchygetchey8299]

From what I heard, the deer was tranquilized. I’d say animals need to have an Oscar category.

[@attorneyrobert]

This is such an underrated film that doesn't get enough attention on KZbin.

[@n0madtv]

It's the Adirondack Mountains between Pennsylvania and New York.. I've driven through there a few times and it is extremely remote.

[@leob4403]

No apparently it was shot in Washington state

[@deadso]

I always say 'this movie ain't about deer hunting'

[@danjohnson2986]

Love your understanding of “intention”.

[@iconocast]

this movie realy did hit me in the feels. the price these men payed. "gorgeously haunting" i think u summed it up well victims of sever trauma often reenact that trauma over an over and over again i couldnt sit even watch all this, getting teary eyed.

[@wwk68tig]

....Outstanding film, and response James.............as usual............BTW: the deer hunting scenes were not shot in Pennsylvania, but in the Heather Meadows area of Mount Baker, Washington State, close to the British Columbian border.

[@donhill3182]

I saw this motion picture in the theater in 1978 with my girlfriend at the time. Neither of us was the same afterward. Most dark and brutal movie I ever watched. I could never watch it again...

[@keyserxx]

check this about actor John Cazale from wiki too: Despite the terminal diagnosis, Cazale continued work with his romantic partner, Meryl Streep, along with Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, in The Deer Hunter. According to author Andy Dougan, director Michael Cimino "rearranged the shooting schedule with Cazale and Streep's consent, so that he could film all his scenes first". He completed his scenes but died before the film was finished.[28][29] Amazing film where everything comes together, acting, script, direction, cinematography. I believe Christopher Walken's first film and he got $25000 for it.

[@KurticeYZreacts]

I agree it's a miracle film; to have came out a masterpiece riding the edge every second and making history as it barely made it before time wouldn't have ever allowed. The films existence shows how fragile life & our time here is

[@staceypiper3319]

The deer hunting scenes were shot in Washington state. You were right, it’s as far from Pennsylvania as you can get. Great reaction as always

[@John_Locke_108]

One of my favorite movies and post-Vietnam section is so brutal and depressing. Can't even begin to guess how many times I've seen this film, at least a dozen, and ever viewing feels like the first. That feeling of emptiness and loneliness at the end of the film stays with you for hours afterwards.

[@TheNeonRabbit]

There's a party game called "The beer hunter". 2 guys get a 6-pack of beer and totally shake the shit out of one of the cans. Each guy then mixes the cans around while the other guy looks away. You then take turns opening the beers right up against the side of your heads. Somebody's gettin' soaked.

[@BeCoShooter]

Best Picture Oscar winner for 1978. Saw it in the theater.

[@NoelMcGinnis]

I’m old as hell because I saw this in a theater in Alaska when it was released. I was young but still loved the movie, despite my parents dragging to see it. I naturally watched it many times once I grew up. Fantastic movie.

[@angellopez3202]

That Russian roulette scene is so intense & iconic! 😎

[@JamesVSCinema]

Absolutely

[@therunawaykid6523]

Yeah ikr I watched this film for the first time ver today and that ending was totally unexpected I remember a revels ad here in U.K. doing a parody of the Russian roulette scene which I heard came from this film