Michael Cimino's Sad Cause Of Death

Michael Cimino, known for his groundbreaking work in Hollywood, is most famous for directing 'The Deer Hunter' (1978), which won five Academy Awards. His ability to blend intense drama with personal stories left a lasting impact. However, his career was tainted by a notorious production that hurt his reputation. This redaction explores Cimino’s career highlights and the details surrounding his death.

'The Deer Hunter' (1978) – Michael Cimino's masterpiece, 'The Deer Hunter,' remains one of his most defining achievements. The film, which starred Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, delved into the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of working-class friends. It was celebrated for its powerful performances, particularly Walken’s portrayal of "Nick," and its harrowing depiction of the war’s aftermath. Cimino’s direction of the movie won him the Academy Award for Best Director, and the film itself took home five Oscars, including Best Picture.

'Heaven's Gate' (1980) – Cimino’s career took a drastic turn with the release of 'Heaven's Gate', a film that became infamous for its production chaos. Starring Kris Kristofferson as "James Averill" and Isabelle Huppert as "Ella," the Western was plagued with budget overruns, delays, and critical backlash. Although the film was intended to be a grand historical epic, its failure at the box office and the controversy surrounding its production led to the downfall of Cimino’s Hollywood career. Despite this, Heaven's Gate has since gained a cult following for its ambitious vision.

'Year of the Dragon' (1985) – Cimino shifted gears to direct a gritty crime drama. The film, which starred Mickey Rourke as "Stanley White," a tough cop in New York City, delved into the battle against the Chinese mafia. Although it didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as his previous works, the film was praised for Rourke's intense performance and Cimino's ability to depict gritty urban life with visceral intensity.

'The Sicilian' (1987) – Adapted from Mario Puzo's novel, 'The Sicilian' was another of Cimino's films based on historical events. Starring Christopher Lambert as "Salvatore Giuliano," the film tells the story of a Sicilian bandit who became a hero to the oppressed. Although not a major box-office success, the film demonstrated Cimino’s affinity for historical narratives and his commitment to showcasing the complexities of characters caught in the turmoil of their environments.

Desperate Hours (1990) – "Michael Bosworth" A remake of a 1955 classic, Desperate Hours was a thriller starring Mickey Rourke as "Michael Bosworth," a criminal on the run who holds a family hostage. Though not widely acclaimed, Cimino's handling of tension and suspense in the film showcased his ability to craft taut, high-stakes dramas, even if it didn’t achieve the same cultural impact as his previous successes.

Michael Cimino passed away on July 2, 2016, at the age of 77. The exact cause of death was not publicly disclosed, though he had been battling health issues in his later years. His death marked the end of an era in Hollywood, as his bold, artistic approach to filmmaking had left an indelible mark on the industry.

Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Cimino’s work, especially 'The Deer Hunter,' remains a testament to his cinematic vision and his ability to craft unforgettable, impactful films.