Cinema lost a great visionary when Michael Cimino passed away last month. The Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Best Picture winner “The Deer Hunter” and, less ceremoniously, “Heaven’s Gate” left this world with only seven films to his name, but with his passing comes more opportunities to reflect on his shining influence and masterful accomplishments. Arguably one of his greatest successes was the gorgeous cinematography found in his films, particularly in their impeccable use of wide shots. Vimeo editor Jorge Luengo Ruiz celebrates Cimino’s immensely picturesque features in this moving three-minute tribute.
The best thing about this short little edit is how it celebrates the grandness and intimacy found in equal measures throughout all of Cimino’s films. Both bold and fragile, lush and simple, it captures humanity at its most miniscule and towering, and is constantly complimented by absolutely gorgeous fields, valleys and mountain landscapes, amongst other locations. It’s a short commemoration, to be sure, but it’s a beautiful one nonetheless.
These images, shot by Frank Stanley, Vilmos Zsigmond, Alex Thomson, and Douglas Milsome, are striking for their grandiose radiance, but it’s ultimately Cimino’s precision that shines through. A filmmaker that might not have always gotten it right (although a newfound appreciation for “Heaven’s Gate” throughout the past few years might suggest otherwise), he’s nevertheless a visual storyteller that wasn’t afraid to make cinema that was majestic and yet contained. It was a balance only found in a few, and Cimino’s absence is definitely felt. To see his legacy for yourself, check out the video below. [via No Film School]
