Oscar-winning ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘Heaven’s Gate’ director Michael Cimino dies, aged 77

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The Film Doctor team send our love to the family, friends and spirit of Michael Cimino, director of Oscar and Golden Globe-winning ‘The Deer Hunter’, who has passed away aged 77.

Cimino directed eight films in his career including the Christopher Walken and Robert De Niro Vietnam classic ‘The Deer Hunter’ which bagged five Academy Awards in 1979 including best picture and best director.

He then followed up with western ‘Heaven’s Gate’ which became a legendary failure in Hollywood history, costing approximately $44m in production and marketing costs and only making around $3.5m in domestic box office.

His last film was 1996’s ‘The Sunchaser’.

Thierry Fremeux – director of the Cannes Film Festival – tweeted the news on Saturday, explaining Cimino died in peace.

Michael Cimino est mort, en paix, entouré des siens et de ces deux femmes qui l’aimaient. Nous l’aimions aussi. pic.twitter.com/emPv4nj5cZ

— THIERRY FREMAUX (@THIERRYFREMAUX) July 2, 2016

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