Classic Movies: The Story of… explores Michael Cimino’s Oscar-winning 1978 war drama, The Deer Hunter, in this season finale episode. The film, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, depicts the powerful story of three American friends affected by the Vietnam War.
The episode looks into the impact of The Deer Hunter, which pioneered a new way of depicting the atrocities of war on screen. It examines how the film, partly shot in Thailand—a first for Vietnam War-themed films—and across four US states, offers a unique perspective on the conflict.
With Meryl Streep earning her first Oscar nomination for her role, The Deer Hunter is a cinematic landmark. Despite criticism from some quarters regarding the portrayal of the Viet Cong and American involvement, the film has solidified its place in movie history and is often listed among the greatest American films.
Classic Movies: The Story of… The Deer Hunter airs Thursday, 12 September 2024, at 8:00 pm on Sky Arts.
