Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate (Part 1 of 8)

Heaven's Gate=MASTERPIECE!!!

They didnt approach the task properly, they should have looked for a good script first, then think of the director and the cast, etc. They just bought cimino because of the prestige the oscar award gave him... letting alone the mismanagement...

That's why nowadays, the producers and studio keep a tight leash on the budget and financing of films.....

That was the big mistake in giving Cimino total artistic control. It just ballooned out of control.

See the whole thing. It's very impressive, especially on a visual level. Say what you will about Cimino's overspending, but the movie looks like all of it went onscreen.

Great visuals?slow?barry lyndon is that as well.But,it's kept continually interesting throughout because of the voice-over,and it's an original rise and fall story.This movie needed a voice over,some serious editing,and a different lead.And even with that,it would only be halfway decent AT BEST!It's just simply an uninteresting story,with no interesting characters.We certainly see no motivation for them..nothing.All you get are mumbled words,and immigrants screaming for 3 hours.And great visuals

Basically, you think it needed the "Apocalypse Now" treatment.

Personally, I don't have a problem with Kristofferson's performance or the story. True, it can be hard to follow because of the pacing, but watch closely and you'll be rewarded, just like in "The Deer Hunter." The film's biggest mistake was that it asked people to pay attention, rather than just be entertained.

it asked people to pay attention,rather than just be entertained

Well,you need something compelling,to keep your attention.You can have both you know.And kristofferson has NO screen presence,maybe in a small role as a motorcycle rapist in ''bring me the head of alfredo garcia''.But he cannot be a lead,let alone in an epic!

It shows. And I agree on the visual level. The art-direction, cinematography, and costuming are very impressive and beautiful.

It's not a bad film. It's basically the exact same kind of film as "The Deer Hunter": slow, impressionistic and melodramatic. A bad film would have nothing on its mind but titilation.

One of the BEST westerns ever MADE!

...at putting you to sleep