The Deer Hunter
1978 film directed by Michael Cimino · Released December 8, 1978
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film co-written and directed by Michael Cimino about a trio of Russian-American steelworkers (inspired by Cimino's real-life Belarusian-American friend) whose lives are upended by fighting in the Vietnam War. The soldiers are played by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and John Savage, with John Cazale (in his final role), Meryl Streep, and George Dzundza in supporting roles. The story takes place in Clairton, Pennsylvania (a working-class town on the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh) and in Vietnam. The film is based in part on an unproduced screenplay called The Man Who Came to Play by Louis A. Garfinkle and Quinn K. Redeker about Las Vegas and Russian roulette.
Cast ages at release (December 8, 1978)
- Robert De Niro, as Staff Sergeant Mikhail Vronsky: 35
- Christopher Walken, as Corporal Nikanor Chevotarevich: 35
- John Savage, as Corporal Steven Pushkov: 29
- John Cazale, as Stanley: 43
- George Dzundza, as John Welsh: 33
- Amy Wright, as Bridesmaid: 28
- Joe Grifasi, as Bandleader: 34
- Pierre Segui, as Julien Grinda: 52
- Shirley Stoler, as Steven's mother: 49
- Rutanya Alda, as Angela Ludhjduravic-Pushkov: 36
- Paul D'Amato, as Sergeant: 29