The Deer Hunter (1978) continues to spark debate as one of the most contentious cinematic portrayals of the Vietnam War. Led by Robert De Niro playing Staff Sgt. Michael “Mike” Vronsky, the cast presented a portrayal of the war that left audiences uneasy. Criticisms emerged regarding various aspects, such as its depiction of America’s role in the conflict, its portrayal of the Viet Cong and what some viewed as historical inaccuracies.
Despite the controversy surrounding it, The Deer Hunter received widespread critical acclaim and received five Oscars. Here are some intriguing lesser-known facts about the film.
Robert De Niro nearly walked off set
One of the most unforgettable moments in The Deer Hunter occurs when Christopher Walken, portraying the psychologically scarred Cpl. Nikanor “Nick” Chevotarevich, unexpectedly spits in Robert De Niro‘s face during a confrontation about his lack of self-preservation. This emotionally charged scene underscores the psychological toll the Vietnam War exacted on those who served.
What many may not realize is that this spontaneous action wasn’t scripted. Director Michael Cimino had approached Walken before shooting the scene and somehow persuaded him to spit in De Niro’s face without the latter’s knowledge. This decision nearly led to De Niro storming off the set in a fit of anger.
In reflection, Cimino commented on Walken, saying, “He’s got courage!”
John Wayne’s final public appearance
Although not directly associated with The Deer Hunter, renowned Western star John Wayne is ingrained in the film’s legacy. At the 59th Academy Awards, Wayne, battling stomach cancer, demonstrated his unwavering commitment by gracing the stage to present the Oscar for Best Picture.
“Well, Oscar and I have something in common. Oscar first came to the Hollywood scene in 1928. So did I,” the actor told the audience before announcing that The Deer Hunter would be taking home the award. “We’re both a little weather-beaten, but we’re still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer.”
Wayne died a few months later, on June 11, 1979.
Real-life Russian Roulette
Robert De Niro is known for being a method actor. In fact, he’s so dedicated to it that he requested that the Russian Roulette scene in The Deer Hunter be a bit more authentic, vis-à-vis a live round in the chamber of the gun.
The scene itself is already jarring to watch, with the audience growing ever more tense as the weapon passes between the soldiers. To increase the perceived danger among the actors, De Niro requested the addition of a live round, which his co-star, John Cazale, agreed to, but under one condition: the gun be checked before each take, to ensure the bullet wasn’t in the next chamber.
To make the sequence even more authentic, Michael Cimono brought in live mosquitos and rats to irritate the actors, and even had a local actor surprise Christopher Walken mid-scene by slapping him, making his reaction all the more realistic.
The cast rallied around John Cazale
The late John Cazale took on the role of Stanley and, despite appearances, he was grappling with end-stage lung cancer during production. Renowned for his portrayal of Fredo Corleone in The Godfather franchise, Cazale’s name was one Michael Cimino was adamant about having associated with The Deer Hunter. This determination became even more apparent in the steps taken to prevent the studio from replacing the actor.
When Universal Pictures considered substituting Cazale with another actor, several of the film’s stars threatened action. Not only did Cimino declare his intention to walk away from the project, but Meryl Streep also asserted that she’d quit if he was removed. Additionally, Robert De Niro personally financed Cazale’s insurance, as the production company deemed him uninsurable.
To ensure Cazale could appear in them, all scenes involving him were filmed first. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after, never seeing the completed movie.
Christopher Walken’s restrictive diet
In order to vividly portray the psychological scars borne by Nick as a result of his Vietnam War service, Christopher Walken underwent a dramatic dietary transformation. In fact, the change was so profound that his appearance in The Deer Hunter left him nearly unrecognizable. By subsisting solely on a diet of bananas, water and rice, he shed a lot of weight, which was a key factor in crafting his character’s emaciated countenance.
His unwavering commitment to the role garnered widespread critical acclaim, culminating in an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor at the 51st Academy Awards.
One scene has forever stuck with Robert De Niro
Numerous emotional scenes unfold in The Deer Hunter, but one particular moment has left a lasting impact on Robert De Niro. Speaking during the 2003 special, AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Robert De Niro, the actor shared the scene where his character visits Cpl. Steven “Steve” Pushkov continues to evoke tears even decades after filming concluded.
Portrayed by John Savage, Steve becomes paralyzed after a harrowing fall from a helicopter that shatters his legs. Before the hospital visit, Michael initiates a heartfelt phone call, prompting his decision to visit. What transpires is an emotional conversation about money sent from Saigon, ultimately leading Michael to choose to bring Steve home from the hospital.
Michael Cimino lied about his military service
During the production and promotion of The Deer Hunter, Michael Cimino asserted that he’d drawn inspiration from his own life experiences to craft the screenplay. However, his military service amounted to only a short period.
In interviews, Cimino stated he enlisted in the US Army in 1968 and was allegedly part of a Special Forces medical unit, although he was never deployed to Vietnam. Subsequent investigation revealed that he’d enlisted six years earlier than claimed and had never been assigned to the Green Berets.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, screenwriter Deric Washburn said, “Mike is or was a pathological liar. The movie never would have gotten made had he not been.”
Robert De Niro and John Savage performed their own stunts
It’s a well-known fact that Robert De Niro and John Savage performed their own stunts for The Deer Hunter‘s helicopter scene. What many might not be aware of, however, is that the two were almost seriously injured while filming the sequence.
While De Niro and Savage awaited rescue from a rope bridge that crosses the Khwae Noi river, one of the helicopter’s skids caught the bridge, causing it to twist and shake. De Niro, worried the chopper would come down on top of him and Savage, began yelling at the crew, “There’s something wrong, move it back.” However, that’s not what happened.
“The helicopter went straight up in the air, pulling the bridge upside down,” explained Savage in an interview with Vanity Fair. “Bobby and I flipped over and were hanging next to each other underneath the helicopter, whose blades barely were missing the steel cable on either side of the bridge.”
More from us: The Personal Experiences That Influenced Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War Trilogy
The pair did the only thing they could: jump into the water below. Despite the river being filled with large rocks and tree stumps, they made it out unscathed.
Leave a Comment