Directed by Michael Cimino | USA | 216 mins
Heaven’s Gate is a movie of contrasts. East vs West. Rich vs Poor. Confined dark interiors vs expansive outdoor vistas. It makes sense then, that the reaction to its initial release contrasts wildly to its true quality. On a budget of $44 million dollars, Heaven’s Gate was not able to muster even $3.5 million dollars at the box office. There are a number of reasons that contributed to the bomb. Stories leaked during the production about the ballooning budget, and that mixed with director Michael Cimino’s personal reputation put movie goers on notice. An animal cruelty controversy further damaged the film’s word of mouth. Finally, after a disastrous opening week in New York, the film was butchered by United Artists in a last ditch effort to turn a profit. Cimino’s original 219 minute film was diluted to an incoherent 149 minutes. The damage was already done, and a bankrupt United Artists was forced to sell to MGM.
Readers may notice that the filmmaking was not a reason for the failure. As time has passed and animosities cooled, audiences have been able to reassess the film without any outside noise distracting from the final product. Heaven’s Gate is a searing look at class in the 1890’s, with unconventional politics and beautiful filmmaking. The cast, notably led by Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken and Isabelle Huppert, give commanding performances. Cimino and the Criterion Collection worked together to restore his version of the great American landscape. This 2012 Director’s Cut is what Calgary Cinematheque is pleased to screen. The journey Heaven’s Gate has taken from one of the “worst movies ever made” to a culturally significant touchstone is a key signifier that modern audiences should take a chance on the Movies that Broke Hollywood.
Written by Kyle Hodge
Part of our Movies That Broke Hollywood Series.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.