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Title: Lives up to its infamously (BAD) reputation
Review: After 25 years, I finally decided to commit myself to watching the entire 4-hour epic that nearly brought United Artists down back in 1980.For those who don't know the backstory, this film from Michael Cimino, who'd already scored Oscar success with THE DEER HUNTER in 1978, not only forced UA to merge with MGM to save their assess, but it also ended the independent, creative run that many new and young directors had enjoyed for the past decade. The decade "under the influence" which had began with films like EASY RIDER and BONNIE AND CLYDE, officially ended with HEAVEN'S GATE.For it's few good points, the film has beautiful cinematography, good camera work and good performances from the cast. The story, however, is very weak and very, very slow (makes 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY look like an action film).Other than a minor hit with YEAR OF THE DRAGON in 1985, poor Cimino's career never recovered from this bomb, and it looks like it never will.
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