My father was a Vietnam combat veteran and said when he got back home it was the weirdest feeling just walking down the street. And was hyper vigilant and still very aware of his surroundings,almost surprised nobody was shooting at him. PTSD is a horrible condition and was really tough on my pops, Well, he’s gone now and missed dearly 💜🫡
The emotional impact and psychological consequences of active combat can be devastating and very long-lasting. I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s experiences. On a similar note, my stepfather still woke up screaming some 50 years after the D-Day landings…. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Complicated plot. Jesus. But just the very greatist of films. As a Marine combat and wounded Vietnam veteran, this film speaks so much to me. My experience was not nearly so dramatic, or earth shaking or even meaningful. Sorry, just was not. But this film is true to the weight of the overall experience I had, and in the wonderful spirit of renewal and healing that is possible through art. Bob Jackson..Fox, 2-12, 3rd Div. USMC. 1967.
The review failed to mention that it was based on a Russian American community which is an important point. Also one of the most important facts regarding this film is the bravery of John Cazale and his girlfriend Meryll Streep. He was dying of lung cancer and died before the filming was complete
I think it happens with most combat veterans. Coming back after intense live or die situations nothing else makes them feel alive. To quote Willard's narrative in Apocalypse Now "They weren't looking for anything except a way home. Trouble is, I'd been back and I knew it just didn't exist anymore."
One thing they didn't bring up. De Niro and Walken were both 34 years old when this movie was released. Savage was 29 and Cazale was 43. They wouldn't draft anyone over 28. The Vietnam War was fought by 19-year-olds. It was kids from across the tracks who couldn't afford to get a college deferment. A year after graduation, they were drafted. It wasn't grizzled 34 year-old vets. It was basically just out of high school poor kids.
True. But the characters aren't bound to the actors age. Mike, Stevie and Nik could easily be in their mid-twenties. Stevie and Nik more so than Mike - but we all have a friend who looks beyond their years.
Hay, you know there were plenty of guys that were willing to fight! My father signed up in 65 and they just didn’t know. Your right this war was fought by 19-20 year olds. But saying that the only people who fought were kids that couldn’t afford deferments! There were rich kids there as well. All walks of life it was just the rich cowards that did all they could to avoid it. We used to have a saying in America “god, family and country “ and we once felt it a duty to serve! But to not just shoot you down it was a horrible mistake! Our government lied through their teeth to start the war! The gulf of Tonkin never happened! It was completely made up by Linden and Johnson, and his cohorts! So I agree with you that it was a very unjust war but the guys over there weren’t to blame! They just tried to stay alive
In the beginning it was not . Soldiers from the Korean war trained and sent in the first . But then it became the nineteen year olds up to twenty nine . It was also in my opinion a illegal war on USA account . As is so many others . I am sixty five . My heart goes out to them that faut this war . It devastated this whole country . And we are now sinking fast .
They filmed half of the Deerhunter while I was in grade school in my grandparents hometown of mingo junction OH, and the bar was about 10! buildings down from my childhood dentist's office. My dad and both my grandfathers and all my uncles were steelmill hunkies. My grandpa came home with that exact red construction hat with the glasses and those fire retardent smock outfits. He served in the Solomon islands campaigns in WW2. Many family members and friends brothers came home with ptsd. We all used to deer hunt, including alcohol. Everyone handled weapons safely. I miss my childhood friends and family members who have since passed. Michael reminds me of an uncle. We don't deer hunt or rabbit hunt with the dogs anymore. Lyme disease is rampant in the region, many of the guys wore out from their tough lives.The region has some of the toughest people you'll ever meet. I subd to your channel. Looks good.
I was so traumatized by the Russian Roulette scenes in the theater, but I love this movie. The characters, the acting, the story. This movie made me a Robert DeNiro fan forever.
I agree - it’s very rewatchable and engaging. As for the Russian Roulette scenes, I think I still have marks on my arm from my wife’s fingernails as she dug them in during these scenes!
I watched the film for the first time in years last night. Today I wanted to hear an eloquent and thoughtful analysis of it which I could relate to and that would give me more to think about. Here I found it. Good video, Stuart.
I remember the hype of this movie as a young kid I watched in high school in the early 90’s and thought it was really good. I just watched it again in 2022 and it really hit me hard.. what a great movie. I am dumbfounded that I don’t know of any other movies written or directed by Michael Cimino
Yes, it has stood the test of time well, in my opinion. I have yet to see Heaven’s Gate but I found Year of the Dragon strangely captivating. I think he also directed Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.
Wow what an awesome breakdown!! And what a great observation about one shot and how it relates to Russian Roulette. I think Mike was actually already awkward, detached and isolated from the group before he left for Nam. I think maybe it was amplified when he returned.. And Nick was the glue that kept the whole friend group together.. But anyways I love your analysis, there were so many small details that were brought to light :)
Many thanks for your kind words - they are much appreciated! I agree that Michael was probably something of a loner before their departure for Vietnam but, as you suggest, his experiences there brought out character traits and qualities that would not otherwise have been seen. Thanks again for taking the time to get in touch!
@@fernie150 With so many totally automated "repackaged re-youtubed" crap around these days, I thought I'd better credit when someone puts something familiar up there, but does so because they actually have some (thought-through) thoughts about it that they want to share. And my own thoughts about this film happen to mostly conincide ;-P. Keep it up, mate.
Cheers for making this. Ive watched several on Deer Hunter. this is by far the most detailed and insightful. My favourite scenes in the films were the two contrasting Deer Hunts (pre and post war). The panoramic shots and ethereal music as Micheal hunts alone provided a meditative relief amid all the hectic and bleak realism of the rest of the movie.
Excellent Character and Plot explanation & Analysis...concise and tone setting in regards to Plot Assessment & the effect of the plot on the Characters
I can’t believe it took me until now to watch this movie. It left me with some questions, so I’m thankful for this analysis offered by you. Adding my own thoughts, I believe that the experiences the protagonists in this movie suffer might not be too different from those of the victims of mass shootings which regularly occur in the United States.
Stuart! Very glad to discover your channel. I finally saw The Deer Hunter and craved some vigorous commentary, but your illuminating and thought-provoking video is even better-bounds and leaps-than what I hoped to find. Excellent analysis, and now I see that you’ve addressed some other cinematic gems. Happily subscribed.
Excellent review. This is one of the most impactful films I've ever seen, and your analysis is spot on. Of note, the film is supposed to start in about 1965-1967, during the early-mid part of the Vietnam war, when American mood was fairly patriotic, if naive, about it, and it seemed like just another foreign conflict, before the harshness, brutality and pointlessness of the war was known, and public sentiment turned against it. I'd also argue the film, and it's characters, and the location. aren't "east" United States at all, even though it may somewhat seem like it on the map. The rust belt, and where the characters were from, was definitely blue collar small town Midwest. This in itself added to the power of the film. Sorry if this sounds nit-picky, your video truly is excellent. I've just lived on the east coast, and am writing this from Stubenville, Ohio, near where much of the film was shot.
One of my top five movies, an excellent take on the characters, one character who i really liked was George Dzundza who was the bar owner, he felt like a father or big brother kind of character
It's important to note that after they all joined the Army Airborne,Nic and Steven remain normal Airborne soldiers,but Michael became a Green Beret(special forces) and apparently then joined SOG.So he far surpassed his friends in the military.Michael was on and barely survived a SOG suicide mission when his friends show up.It seems that this probably happened in I corps,and then they were probably taken across the border to North Vietnam where they were tortured and escaped.
@@fernie150 It really sticks out to me that before the war,Michael was seen as weird,possibly crazy and maybe gay.He ends up thriving in the military,outshining his friends,survives everything,and comes home more intact than the others,then gets the house to himself,gets the girl and the Cadillac.After taking some heavy losses his fortunes and the way his peers view him completely flips.He's then probably the top dog in his group of friends.
Yes, Michael seems to have been able to evolve and develop aspects of his character that would otherwise have lain dormant and untapped. On his return, however, he does seem to suffer internally. I’m sure his experiences affected him profoundly, if not as obviously as his friends.
Thanks 🙏😊 it has much value for me. My two elder brothers were Marines in Vietnam. I was a Marin in Irak. I would love to hear more on how the characters healed their wounds. If any healing ocurred. Thanks again. Be blessed, stay safe.
Here's a hint - just after the long wedding scene there is a quiet scene where the groom shares with Michael that he's never had sex with his new wife (but we find out she's already pregnant). Who is the father?
Amigo, no te diste cuenta que al despedirse de sus amigos de la fundición, uno de ellos le dijo a Nick: "No te olvides tus pastillas". De lo que se deduce que ya llevaba un tratamiento que sería interrumpido por el reclutamiento y la guerra, agravando su mal, cualquiera que éste fuera.
Further...my view is also that the Russian roulette scene was about America blowing its brains out in war, figuratively.......also, Michael's "we do 3 bullets, 3!" to his captors, showed his disdain for them and the cruel game (as he was all about one bullet, one shot). cheers.
What should be of intresting note with regards to russian roulette; is that it is quite see if a revolver's chamber is loaded. This is why you can see De Niro's character encouraging the other men to pull the trigger as he knows when it would be empty & when it would be loaded. The evidence is that after the second shot, Micheal knows when to start bussing, and also Nicky would have most likely been experienced enough by the time we see him again, to know when a chamber has been loaded or not loaded, so it was very clearly his intention to end his life in front of Micheal. Perhaps his motivation could have been to die amoung freinds rather than continue to suffer under tramuatic stress Edit: Apparently when they did the scenes with Russian Roulette the gun was loaded with a live round, so this means that the cast and crew were very familar with the inner workings
Great movie but one surprise for me was hearing De Niro say that Michael Vronsky was hands down the favorite role he's ever portrayed. Its great don't get me wrong, but with all the iconic characters he has played I didn't think it would be this one. He literally seems to be having the time of his life in every scene of Mean Streets as Johnny Boy. Travis was probably a little too heavy because he carries it alone for the most part, but this part had to be psychologically draining as well. Both roulette scenes had to have an effect on him and Walken.
I didn’t know that De Niro said this. I’m not sure how an actor would go about evaluating roles in that way - each must bring its own challenges, difficulties and satisfactions. That said, some roles may resonate on a personal level more than others… Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
when the soldier says fuck it they dont necessarily laugh it off, Robert De Niros character almost fights him One important thing that i dont really buy in the movies plotline is how nick goes from loving his life at home, then getting traumatized, then going on to repeatedly do the thing that traumatized him (the roulette) and just ignore Michael when he finally gets back to him. When Mike grabs his arm and says what did they do to your arm I think it does hint that maybe he's being forced to do it? but when he first meets the french guy he willingly goes along with it right way
It seems to me that this awful experience introduced him to extreme sensations that, in a way, he actually enjoyed and wanted to repeat while also terrifying and traumatising him. He recognises how awful it is, yet he is drawn to it at the same time. As for his “mentors”, I think they recognise the value of their find and they manipulate and drug him to keep him “happy” and avoid self-doubt and questions. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Its a an awesome movie but I wouldn't call it a combat movie. The ones that were combat were Platoon, Hamburger Hill, Full Metal Jacket and Saving Private Ryan. Deer Hunter was quite similar to Coming Home and Deliverance
Yes, it’s a drama rather than an action film, exploring their lives before their involvement in the war, their experiences during the conflict and then the consequences for them of their experiences.
much of it was filmed in ohio valley/steubenville. and mingo jct, ohio~of where I am from~was 20 at the time & tried to get part as an extra/I got all 'dolled up' when showed up, my Mom went dressed like typical housewife of the era~well, she got to be in the fiim, me-NO/her response to me was, "I told you to wear a babushka'~~Moms do know best
Thank goodness you phrased "post traumatic stress disorder" correctly. I tire of hearing "post traumatic stress syndrome" when applied to our veterans. The analysis of the Deer Hunter were good. Thanks for the video.
I haven't watched the movie in years but honestly I wish I would have watched this review before I seen the movie it would have made a little more sense. The first hour and a half seems so boring to me but I was very young when I seen it!
Your perspective is bound to change as you get older (mine certainly has!) - it might be worth giving it another try now. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch and for your kind words.
No doubt the value of the analysis, story and narrative here is "beyond first rate" : having seen the movie throughout the years (DVD Version is better as there's no interruptions in the same as a TV broadcast) and I never viewed it in the context as described. The actor who repeatedly slaps Robert DeNiro and Christopher Walken's characters - reportedly got the part because he didn't like Americans much - along with that Russian Roulette scene : in my view, we're left thinking that neither of them (Nick, Michael and Stevie) are going escape from capture. However this came at a cost : all became separated from each other, adjusting to civilian life - except for Nick - was a challenge and the need to get a much-loved friend/fellow serviceman back home appears to be a near impossible task for Michael. Unfortunately, the traumatic experiences Nick had been through led to him becoming another victim of circumstances nobody had control of - "a bullet that didn't need to be fired and a life that shouldn't have ended" - where the subject matter goes with this movie, it doesn't get much better than this. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this and I'll certainly look forward to seeing more of it : furthermore, I already subscribed to your channel.
Hi Anthony, Many thanks for your kind words, for subscribing and for taking the time to share your thoughts. The Deer Hunter is one of these films I find painful yet totally engaging and the line you quoted sums it up beautifully. Thanks again for getting in touch. I hope you find something to enjoy in the other videos!
I would suggest that Nick’s time and experience in Vietnam have left their mark and have changed him irrevocably, at least in his mind. Linda is intimately associated with the past to which he feels he cannot return while Steven shared Nick’s life-changing experience and Nick is likely to retain some fraternal connections and sympathy with him and his situation, though his gifts are made anonymously as he cannot face personal interaction and questions.
Maybe Nicholas was the father of Angie's baby? I also found it interesting that at the end of the movie Michael trying to get through to Nick never mentions Linda's name
That sounds interesting. I'm not from the US so I'm curious about its culture and society. In which region/state of the US would you say that there are warmer people?
@cristianp.9469 A gross generality.Eastern and Central Europeans tend to be more reserved and pessimistic. Mediterranean, Afro-Americans and Latin people are more social and demonstrable. My personal experience. So look where people of that heritage live.
Modern-day sexual and gender politics aside, this movie really does seem to have some homosexual undertones. The movie begins with a locker room with naked men, then the interactions between the men and women seems forced, there's even violence against women. The bond between the male friends is very intimate and the scene in the bar where they wrestle and rough house followed by popping champaign (in which John Cazale holds the bottle in a phallic way is very telling, almost obvious). The scene in the mountains when they go hunting and DeNiro won't lend Cazale his boots, Cazale's character calls him a f@gg0t twice. And DeNiro sits on the hood holding his rifle is a phallic way also. DeNiro running down the street and stripping naked, for what good purpose..??? The use of mirrors and framing of scenes is also something to be explored...
Additionally, their going away party seems more like a memorial for the friends rather than a farewell party. The ball room is decorated with giant monochromatic pictures of the friends (Nick, Steven, Michael) as if they already died. Definitely showing that their civilian identities will be dead.
The story is based in Clairton, a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania but Clairton was not used as the location for the film. The location used for the opening of the film was Minho Junction, Ohio. The Russian Orthodox Church used for the wedding was Saint Theodosius, Cleveland
The gentleman (Stuart Fernie) who posted this video. He is from the United Kingdom (Scotland). That is how they say hospital. They say “Going to hospital.”, or “In hospital.”. Opposed to the hospital. As we say in the United States.
Foods all soldiwrs need to jnow what is with a mind not discicwr aftwr theeapy. The huntees will be triggwewd runningin the woods wirh a ribe sibce time set . So i. A war lose the prorgranes vy this not by hunting .hlpin not be male domjnat
My father was a Vietnam combat veteran and said when he got back home it was the weirdest feeling just walking down the street. And was hyper vigilant and still very aware of his surroundings,almost surprised nobody was shooting at him. PTSD is a horrible condition and was really tough on my pops, Well, he’s gone now and missed dearly 💜🫡
The emotional impact and psychological consequences of active combat can be devastating and very long-lasting. I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s experiences. On a similar note, my stepfather still woke up screaming some 50 years after the D-Day landings…. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
I learn something new about both myself and humanity every time I watch this movie.
I agree completely.
Complicated plot. Jesus. But just the very greatist of films. As a Marine combat and wounded Vietnam veteran, this film speaks so much to me. My experience was not nearly so dramatic, or earth shaking or even meaningful. Sorry, just was not. But this film is true to the weight of the overall experience I had, and in the wonderful spirit of renewal and healing that is possible through art. Bob Jackson..Fox, 2-12, 3rd Div. USMC. 1967.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Much appreciated.
🙏🏾thank you
Great analysis of this extraordinary movie. Thank you very much for your work.
Many thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to get in touch. Love the name!
The review failed to mention that it was based on a Russian American community which is an important point.
Also one of the most important facts regarding this film is the bravery of John Cazale and his girlfriend Meryll Streep. He was dying of lung cancer and died before the filming was complete
I think it happens with most combat veterans. Coming back after intense live or die situations nothing else makes them feel alive. To quote Willard's narrative in Apocalypse Now
"They weren't looking for anything except a way home. Trouble is, I'd been back and I knew it just didn't exist anymore."
Totally agree. You might find my thoughts on "Apocalypse Now" of some interest. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
1978 cinematography just wow
One thing they didn't bring up. De Niro and Walken were both 34 years old when this movie was released. Savage was 29 and Cazale was 43. They wouldn't draft anyone over 28. The Vietnam War was fought by 19-year-olds. It was kids from across the tracks who couldn't afford to get a college deferment. A year after graduation, they were drafted. It wasn't grizzled 34 year-old vets. It was basically just out of high school poor kids.
True. But the characters aren't bound to the actors age. Mike, Stevie and Nik could easily be in their mid-twenties. Stevie and Nik more so than Mike - but we all have a friend who looks beyond their years.
It’s established in the movie that the men volunteered, they weren’t drafted. Plenty of men in their 20’s-40’s fought in Vietnam
Hay, you know there were plenty of guys that were willing to fight! My father signed up in 65 and they just didn’t know. Your right this war was fought by 19-20 year olds. But saying that the only people who fought were kids that couldn’t afford deferments! There were rich kids there as well. All walks of life it was just the rich cowards that did all they could to avoid it. We used to have a saying in America “god, family and country “ and we once felt it a duty to serve! But to not just shoot you down it was a horrible mistake! Our government lied through their teeth to start the war! The gulf of Tonkin never happened! It was completely made up by Linden and Johnson, and his cohorts! So I agree with you that it was a very unjust war but the guys over there weren’t to blame! They just tried to stay alive
In the beginning it was not .
Soldiers from the Korean war trained and sent in the first .
But then it became the nineteen year olds up to twenty nine .
It was also in my opinion a illegal war on USA account .
As is so many others .
I am sixty five .
My heart goes out to them that faut this war .
It devastated this whole country .
And we are now sinking fast .
It is a flaw of most Vietnam war films. Thirty year old actors playing teenagers
First class analysis, one of the best films ever made 👍🏻 and hasn’t grown old or tired .
Such a beautiful review.
I wish it had more views.
Many thanks for your kind words - much appreciated.
I watched this last night and omg I was blown away what an amazing, impactful movie
Great analysis on The Deer Hunter.
They filmed half of the Deerhunter while I was in grade school in my grandparents hometown of mingo junction OH, and the bar was about 10! buildings down from my childhood dentist's office. My dad and both my grandfathers and all my uncles were steelmill hunkies. My grandpa came home with that exact red construction hat with the glasses and those fire retardent smock outfits. He served in the Solomon islands campaigns in WW2. Many family members and friends brothers came home with ptsd. We all used to deer hunt, including alcohol. Everyone handled weapons safely. I miss my childhood friends and family members who have since passed. Michael reminds me of an uncle. We don't deer hunt or rabbit hunt with the dogs anymore. Lyme disease is rampant in the region, many of the guys wore out from their tough lives.The region has some of the toughest people you'll ever meet. I subd to your channel. Looks good.
Thanks for taking the time to get in touch and for sharing - very interesting. Thanks also for subscribing.
I was so traumatized by the Russian Roulette scenes in the theater, but I love this movie. The characters, the acting, the story. This movie made me a Robert DeNiro fan forever.
I agree - it’s very rewatchable and engaging. As for the Russian Roulette scenes, I think I still have marks on my arm from my wife’s fingernails as she dug them in during these scenes!
What I don’t understand is that the Vietnamese actor who played their tormentor remains uncredited
I watched the film for the first time in years last night. Today I wanted to hear an eloquent and thoughtful analysis of it which I could relate to and that would give me more to think about. Here I found it. Good video, Stuart.
Delighted you enjoyed it. Many thanks for your kind words - they’re much appreciated.
just discovered today, love it! Thank you
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to get in touch.
Watched the movie for the first time this week, this is an excellent examination. Thank you!
Great analysis, thanks for this. Amazing film
One of my top 10, or definitely top 20 films :)
I remember the hype of this movie as a young kid I watched in high school in the early 90’s and thought it was really good. I just watched it again in 2022 and it really hit me hard.. what a great movie. I am dumbfounded that I don’t know of any other movies written or directed by Michael Cimino
Yes, it has stood the test of time well, in my opinion. I have yet to see Heaven’s Gate but I found Year of the Dragon strangely captivating. I think he also directed Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.
Excellent analysis of a wonderful film.
The mental impact of seeing and taking part in horrific situations is brutally explicit in this movie.
Thank you for your kind words. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on the film.
Wow what an awesome breakdown!! And what a great observation about one shot and how it relates to Russian Roulette. I think Mike was actually already awkward, detached and isolated from the group before he left for Nam. I think maybe it was amplified when he returned.. And Nick was the glue that kept the whole friend group together.. But anyways I love your analysis, there were so many small details that were brought to light :)
Many thanks for your kind words - they are much appreciated!
I agree that Michael was probably something of a loner before their departure for Vietnam but, as you suggest, his experiences there brought out character traits and qualities that would not otherwise have been seen.
Thanks again for taking the time to get in touch!
Greetings from America 🇺🇸 Love and Respect to Scotland 🏴
Thank you! Much appreciated and reciprocated!
@@fernie150 ❤️🇺🇸🏴❤️
Brilliantly read. Most important movie of my life. I did indeed find your reading of some value.
You're very kind. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
@@fernie150 With so many totally automated "repackaged re-youtubed" crap around these days, I thought I'd better credit when someone puts something familiar up there, but does so because they actually have some (thought-through) thoughts about it that they want to share.
And my own thoughts about this film happen to mostly conincide ;-P. Keep it up, mate.
Thank you again - your kind and encouraging words are much appreciated.
excellent commentary.
excellent analysis of a magnificent film
Great analysis. "Fuckin A man!"
Thank you for your kind words - I’d like to think Axel would approve!
Very well said. Excellent analysis!
Cheers for making this. Ive watched several on Deer Hunter. this is by far the most detailed and insightful. My favourite scenes in the films were the two contrasting Deer Hunts (pre and post war). The panoramic shots and ethereal music as Micheal hunts alone provided a meditative relief amid all the hectic and bleak realism of the rest of the movie.
Many thanks for your kind words. I totally agree about the hunting scenes - they do indeed allow a few moments respite!
Excellent Character and Plot explanation & Analysis...concise and tone setting in regards to Plot Assessment & the effect of the plot on the Characters
Thank you for your comments - you're very kind. I'm delighted you found my video of value.
I can’t believe it took me until now to watch this movie. It left me with some questions, so I’m thankful for this analysis offered by you.
Adding my own thoughts, I believe that the experiences the protagonists in this movie suffer might not be too different from those of the victims of mass shootings which regularly occur in the United States.
Thank you!
It's just the loss... Loss is so bitter! Thanks for your summary! I only understood this film on the second try!
Easily one of the best analyses I have seen. Great work!
Many thanks for your kind words - much appreciated!
Stuart! Very glad to discover your channel. I finally saw The Deer Hunter and craved some vigorous commentary, but your illuminating and thought-provoking video is even better-bounds and leaps-than what I hoped to find. Excellent analysis, and now I see that you’ve addressed some other cinematic gems. Happily subscribed.
Many thanks for your very kind words and for subscribing! I hope you find other videos in my channel that you enjoy.
Great review of a great movie! Well done!
Thank you for the review. Excellent.
Well done 👏 ✔️
Thank you! You're very kind.
Excellent review. This is one of the most impactful films I've ever seen, and your analysis is spot on.
Of note, the film is supposed to start in about 1965-1967, during the early-mid part of the Vietnam war, when American mood was fairly patriotic, if naive, about it, and it seemed like just another foreign conflict, before the harshness, brutality and pointlessness of the war was known, and public sentiment turned against it.
I'd also argue the film, and it's characters, and the location. aren't "east" United States at all, even though it may somewhat seem like it on the map. The rust belt, and where the characters were from, was definitely blue collar small town Midwest. This in itself added to the power of the film.
Sorry if this sounds nit-picky, your video truly is excellent. I've just lived on the east coast, and am writing this from Stubenville, Ohio, near where much of the film was shot.
Thanks for your kind words and for your input which will enhance viewers’ understanding of the background to the film. Much appreciated.
Agree
One of my top five movies, an excellent take on the characters, one character who i really liked was George Dzundza who was the bar owner, he felt like a father or big brother kind of character
Thank you. Yes, each character brings something to the “family of friends” at the centre of the film.
The best analysis so far. Well done!
Thank you for your kind words! They are much appreciated.
I did find very great value - Thank You
Great analysis. I love your videos and this is one of my favourite movies so I was especially thrilled to see this one.
I’m delighted and flattered to think you enjoy my videos. Many thanks for your kind words - much appreciated.
Highly valuable. Great video
Love this breakdown
This is a fantastic analysis, youtube would be a better site with more authentic content like yours
You are very kind and I am very flattered!
It's important to note that after they all joined the Army Airborne,Nic and Steven remain normal Airborne soldiers,but Michael became a Green Beret(special forces) and apparently then joined SOG.So he far surpassed his friends in the military.Michael was on and barely survived a SOG suicide mission when his friends show up.It seems that this probably happened in I corps,and then they were probably taken across the border to North Vietnam where they were tortured and escaped.
Thanks for your input. Very interesting.
@@fernie150 It really sticks out to me that before the war,Michael was seen as weird,possibly crazy and maybe gay.He ends up thriving in the military,outshining his friends,survives everything,and comes home more intact than the others,then gets the house to himself,gets the girl and the Cadillac.After taking some heavy losses his fortunes and the way his peers view him completely flips.He's then probably the top dog in his group of friends.
Yes, Michael seems to have been able to evolve and develop aspects of his character that would otherwise have lain dormant and untapped. On his return, however, he does seem to suffer internally. I’m sure his experiences affected him profoundly, if not as obviously as his friends.
Thank you so much.
Thanks 🙏😊 it has much value for me. My two elder brothers were Marines in Vietnam. I was a Marin in Irak. I would love to hear more on how the characters healed their wounds. If any healing ocurred. Thanks again. Be blessed, stay safe.
Thank you - you’re very kind. A sequel is a very intriguing proposition and one I had never thought of!
@@fernie150 Very glad to hear that. Best Regards 👍😊
It's about the Aftermath of the Wedding actually.
Here's a hint - just after the long wedding scene there is a quiet scene where the groom shares with Michael that he's never had sex with his new wife (but we find out she's already pregnant). Who is the father?
The singer of the band
My money is on Axel the fat bully of a "friend"
michael is my guess.
No I don't think it's Michael
@@juliefox9158 It was the one who couldn't come back from Vietnam.
Bro this was a fantastic dissection of the film. Great work
Many thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to get in touch - much appreciated!
Agree with all comments, this is a great analysis
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
solid analysis
Excellent introspective
beautiful analysis
Thank you. You're very kind.
Amigo, no te diste cuenta que al despedirse de sus amigos de la fundición, uno de ellos le dijo a Nick: "No te olvides tus pastillas". De lo que se deduce que ya llevaba un tratamiento que sería interrumpido por el reclutamiento y la guerra, agravando su mal, cualquiera que éste fuera.
Further...my view is also that the Russian roulette scene was about America blowing its brains out in war, figuratively.......also, Michael's "we do 3 bullets, 3!" to his captors, showed his disdain for them and the cruel game (as he was all about one bullet, one shot).
cheers.
Great analysis!
Thank you! You're very kind.
thank you
Excellent 👍🏾
Great video
What should be of intresting note with regards to russian roulette; is that it is quite see if a revolver's chamber is loaded. This is why you can see De Niro's character encouraging the other men to pull the trigger as he knows when it would be empty & when it would be loaded. The evidence is that after the second shot, Micheal knows when to start bussing, and also Nicky would have most likely been experienced enough by the time we see him again, to know when a chamber has been loaded or not loaded, so it was very clearly his intention to end his life in front of Micheal. Perhaps his motivation could have been to die amoung freinds rather than continue to suffer under tramuatic stress
Edit: Apparently when they did the scenes with Russian Roulette the gun was loaded with a live round, so this means that the cast and crew were very familar with the inner workings
Great movie but one surprise for me was hearing De Niro say that Michael Vronsky was hands down the favorite role he's ever portrayed. Its great don't get me wrong, but with all the iconic characters he has played I didn't think it would be this one. He literally seems to be having the time of his life in every scene of Mean Streets as Johnny Boy. Travis was probably a little too heavy because he carries it alone for the most part, but this part had to be psychologically draining as well. Both roulette scenes had to have an effect on him and Walken.
I didn’t know that De Niro said this. I’m not sure how an actor would go about evaluating roles in that way - each must bring its own challenges, difficulties and satisfactions. That said, some roles may resonate on a personal level more than others… Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Once upon a time in america and the deer hunter are probably his best roles.
So many headbands in this movie
when the soldier says fuck it they dont necessarily laugh it off, Robert De Niros character almost fights him
One important thing that i dont really buy in the movies plotline is how nick goes from loving his life at home, then getting traumatized, then going on to repeatedly do the thing that traumatized him (the roulette) and just ignore Michael when he finally gets back to him. When Mike grabs his arm and says what did they do to your arm I think it does hint that maybe he's being forced to do it? but when he first meets the french guy he willingly goes along with it right way
It seems to me that this awful experience introduced him to extreme sensations that, in a way, he actually enjoyed and wanted to repeat while also terrifying and traumatising him. He recognises how awful it is, yet he is drawn to it at the same time.
As for his “mentors”, I think they recognise the value of their find and they manipulate and drug him to keep him “happy” and avoid self-doubt and questions.
Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Mike is pretty lucky considering how many times his plans rely on either him or his mate not getting their head blown off.
Superb !
Thank you very much - you’re very kind.
michael is the deer hunter. nick the deer.
WELL DONE @Stuart Fernie
Never give up,never surrender
Its a an awesome movie but I wouldn't call it a combat movie. The ones that were combat were Platoon, Hamburger Hill, Full Metal Jacket and Saving Private Ryan. Deer Hunter was quite similar to Coming Home and Deliverance
Yes, it’s a drama rather than an action film, exploring their lives before their involvement in the war, their experiences during the conflict and then the consequences for them of their experiences.
Amazing words. This is the best film ever made
much of it was filmed in ohio valley/steubenville. and mingo jct, ohio~of where I am from~was 20 at the time & tried to get part as an extra/I got all 'dolled up' when showed up, my Mom went dressed like typical housewife of the era~well, she got to be in the fiim, me-NO/her response to me was, "I told you to wear a babushka'~~Moms do know best
What a wonderful memory and link to the film - thanks for sharing!
Great video. Can I request you do one on Full Metal Jacket, please?
Thank you! Would you believe I have never seen Full Metal Jacket? I’ll definitely look into it. Thanks for your interest.
Thank goodness you phrased "post traumatic stress disorder" correctly. I tire of hearing "post traumatic stress syndrome" when applied to our veterans. The analysis of the Deer Hunter were good. Thanks for the video.
I haven't watched the movie in years but honestly I wish I would have watched this review before I seen the movie it would have made a little more sense. The first hour and a half seems so boring to me but I was very young when I seen it!
Your perspective is bound to change as you get older (mine certainly has!) - it might be worth giving it another try now. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch and for your kind words.
Grreat review. Quite difficult to encompass all scenes in the film into a short resumé
Many thanks. Indeed - a complex film in which every scene adds to our understanding.
“F@cking A” Snoqualmie Falls and Mt. Baker in the Cascades where the hunting scene was shot. I’ve been there multiple times.
Must be stunning scenery. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Your voice is so soothing and beautiful. Are you Scottish?
You’re very kind. Yes, I am Scottish. I live in the highlands.
No doubt the value of the analysis, story and narrative here is "beyond first rate" : having seen the movie throughout the years (DVD Version is better as there's no interruptions in the same as a TV broadcast) and I never viewed it in the context as described.
The actor who repeatedly slaps Robert DeNiro and Christopher Walken's characters - reportedly got the part because he didn't like Americans much - along with that Russian Roulette scene : in my view, we're left thinking that neither of them (Nick, Michael and Stevie) are going escape from capture.
However this came at a cost : all became separated from each other, adjusting to civilian life - except for Nick - was a challenge and the need to get a much-loved friend/fellow serviceman back home appears to be a near impossible task for Michael.
Unfortunately, the traumatic experiences Nick had been through led to him becoming another victim of circumstances nobody had control of - "a bullet that didn't need to be fired and a life that shouldn't have ended" - where the subject matter goes with this movie, it doesn't get much better than this.
Thank you for the time and effort you put into this and I'll certainly look forward to seeing more of it : furthermore, I already subscribed to your channel.
Hi Anthony,
Many thanks for your kind words, for subscribing and for taking the time to share your thoughts.
The Deer Hunter is one of these films I find painful yet totally engaging and the line you quoted sums it up beautifully.
Thanks again for getting in touch. I hope you find something to enjoy in the other videos!
Question: Why does Nick send elephants to Steve and not Linda?
I would suggest that Nick’s time and experience in Vietnam have left their mark and have changed him irrevocably, at least in his mind. Linda is intimately associated with the past to which he feels he cannot return while Steven shared Nick’s life-changing experience and Nick is likely to retain some fraternal connections and sympathy with him and his situation, though his gifts are made anonymously as he cannot face personal interaction and questions.
Maybe Nicholas was the father of Angie's baby? I also found it interesting that at the end of the movie Michael trying to get through to Nick never mentions Linda's name
Have you ever been to hell. than you don't' know what its like. its hard to come back to your life..?
My wife cannot sit through a movie actually loved watching this and Joker. 😂
Not the easiest films to watch! Must say something about the quality of each.
@@fernie150 yes sir
Imagine if Mike had blown Stosh's head off.
De Niro's and others' characters display a sensitivity that are lacking in real people who live in western Pennsylvania.
That sounds interesting. I'm not from the US so I'm curious about its culture and society. In which region/state of the US would you say that there are warmer people?
@cristianp.9469 A gross generality.Eastern and Central Europeans tend to be more reserved and pessimistic. Mediterranean, Afro-Americans and Latin people are more social and demonstrable. My personal experience. So look where people of that heritage live.
One shot means to kill the animal so it doesn't suffer.
American Russians fighting in the cold war...what are the odds
Modern-day sexual and gender politics aside, this movie really does seem to have some homosexual undertones. The movie begins with a locker room with naked men, then the interactions between the men and women seems forced, there's even violence against women. The bond between the male friends is very intimate and the scene in the bar where they wrestle and rough house followed by popping champaign (in which John Cazale holds the bottle in a phallic way is very telling, almost obvious). The scene in the mountains when they go hunting and DeNiro won't lend Cazale his boots, Cazale's character calls him a f@gg0t twice. And DeNiro sits on the hood holding his rifle is a phallic way also. DeNiro running down the street and stripping naked, for what good purpose..??? The use of mirrors and framing of scenes is also something to be explored...
Additionally, their going away party seems more like a memorial for the friends rather than a farewell party. The ball room is decorated with giant monochromatic pictures of the friends (Nick, Steven, Michael) as if they already died. Definitely showing that their civilian identities will be dead.
Interesting interpretations that I had never considered. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch and for sharing your thoughts.
@@fernie150 Thanks for reading. I am trying to get into more film analysis myself. Cheers
@@fernie150 One more thing. Alcohol. There is a heavy use of alcohol throughout the film. It's very in your face.
As a hunter it's interesting to me that they chose deer to hunt that are not native to the area they are hunting.
I didn't like Axel or the other fat guy, I thought they were bullies to Stephen.
And yet, below the surface there is a deep bond of friendship.
Wrongly stated that it is a story location based in pennsylvania.. it's location is in a steel town in OHIO.
The story is based in Clairton, a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania but Clairton was not used as the location for the film. The location used for the opening of the film was Minho Junction, Ohio. The Russian Orthodox Church used for the wedding was Saint Theodosius, Cleveland
@@saxonanglo3956 I think they filmed in Oregon as well, for the hunting scenes.
The Hospital*
The gentleman (Stuart Fernie) who posted this video. He is from the United Kingdom (Scotland). That is how they say hospital. They say “Going to hospital.”, or “In hospital.”. Opposed to the hospital. As we say in the United States.
Foods all soldiwrs need to jnow what is with a mind not discicwr aftwr theeapy. The huntees will be triggwewd runningin the woods wirh a ribe sibce time set . So i. A war lose the prorgranes vy this not by hunting .hlpin not be male domjnat