The Deer Hunter (1978)

Drama War Directed by Michael Cimino
→ Influenced 7 films ← Inspired by 1 films

A group of working-class friends decide to enlist in the Army during the Vietnam War and finds it to be hellish chaos -- not the noble venture they imagined. Before they left, Steven married his pregnant girlfriend -- and Michael and Nick were in love with the same woman. But all three are different men upon their return.

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Films that influenced The Deer Hunter

← Inspired By (1)

Films inspired by The Deer Hunter

→ The Deer Hunter influenced these (7)

Sources

Influenced By

  1. Coming Home (1978)
    "Released the same year as "The Deer Hunter," Hal Ashby's "Coming Home" examines the personal and emotional struggles of Vietnam veterans returning home. Both films contributed to the discourse on the Vietnam War's impact on soldiers and their communities, highlighting the psychological and social challenges faced by veterans." Michigantoday source

Influenced

  1. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
    "Michael Cimino's film delves into the psychological and emotional toll of war. "Zero Dark Thirty" similarly explores the personal costs and moral complexities faced by those involved in the war on terror." 'Zero Dark Thirty' writer: Torture 'clearly part' of finding Bin Laden Los Angeles Times
  2. Tropic Thunder (2008)
    "Kirk Lazarus' (Robert Downey Jr.) attempt to persuade Tugg Speedman to return home parallels a similar scene in "The Deer Hunter" where Robert De Niro's character tries to convince Christopher Walken's character to leave Vietnam." 10 Best Movie References In Tropic Thunder Ben Sherlock ScreenRant
  3. The Last Hunter (1980)
    "Directed by Antonio Margheriti, this Italian film was initially made to capitalize on the success of "The Deer Hunter." It was the first "Euro War" film set during the Vietnam War, as opposed to World War II like all previous entries in the subgenre." The Last Hunter Wikipedia
  4. The Hurt Locker (2008)
    "Boal mentioned that films like "The Deer Hunter" helped him understand the Vietnam War, and he aimed for "The Hurt Locker" to serve a similar purpose for the Iraq War." Hurt Locker Screenwriter Mark Boal on How His Script Was Inspired by a ‘News Black Hole’ Bilge Ebiri Vulture
  5. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
    "Stanley Kubrick's war drama shares thematic similarities with "The Deer Hunter," particularly in its portrayal of the dehumanizing effects of war on soldiers. Both films delve into the psychological toll of combat, highlighting the loss of innocence and the brutal realities faced by soldiers." The Deer Hunter: 8 Must See Movies if You Loved the War Drama Shubhabrata Dutta The Cinemaholic
  6. Apocalypse Now (1979)
    "Francis Ford Coppola's epic war film, released shortly after "The Deer Hunter," also explores the horrors of the Vietnam War. While both films were developed independently, their close release dates and similar themes led to comparisons, with "Apocalypse Now" further cementing the intense and surreal portrayal of the war initiated by "The Deer Hunter."" Dotcomstories source
  7. Platoon (1986)
    "Oliver Stone's "Platoon" faced initial resistance from studios, partly because they believed that films like "The Deer Hunter" and "Apocalypse Now" had already set the standard for Vietnam War movies. This perception delayed the production of "Platoon."" Platoon %28film%29 Wikipedia

The Deer Hunter (1978), directed by Michael Cimino, was inspired by 1 earlier film — including Coming Home — and has been cited as an influence on 7 later works, such as Zero Dark Thirty, Tropic Thunder, and The Last Hunter. Check out the citations below.