Date of Birth: February 3, 1939
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 2, 2016
Biography
Michael Cimino was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work during the New Hollywood era. Born in New York City, Cimino developed an interest in the arts at a young age, attending Yale University where he earned a degree in painting and later a Master of Fine Arts degree. He initially worked in advertising before transitioning to film. Cimino’s directorial debut came with the 1974 film “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” which starred Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. However, it was his second film, “The Deer Hunter” (1978), that cemented his place in cinematic history. The Vietnam War epic won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cimino. His next project, “Heaven’s Gate” (1980), became notorious for its production troubles and financial failures, leading to the collapse of United Artists studio. Despite its initial reception, the film has since been re-evaluated and appreciated for its ambitious scope and artistic vision. Cimino continued to work sporadically in Hollywood, directing films such as “Year of the Dragon” (1985) and “The Sicilian” (1987). He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and often clashed with studio executives over creative control. Michael Cimino passed away on July 2, 2016, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to spark discussions among film critics and enthusiasts.
5 Interesting Facts about Michael Cimino
1. Michael Cimino initially studied architecture before switching to painting at Yale University.
2. “The Deer Hunter” was shot in Ohio, West Virginia, and Thailand, despite its setting in Vietnam.
3. “Heaven’s Gate” was originally budgeted at $11.6 million but eventually cost over $44 million.
4. Cimino was known for his reclusiveness in his later years, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances.
5. He directed the music video for David Mansfield’s song “Vanity.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Cimino
1. “You have to have a dream so you can get up in the morning.”
2. “I believe in the power of movies to create a real experience for the audience.”
3. “Art is a sense of magic.”
4. “I make films primarily for myself. The audience is secondary.”
5. “The only way to make a movie is the hard way.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Michael Cimino’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Michael Cimino did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Michael Cimino – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001047/
2. [Michael Cimino – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cimino
3. [The Deer Hunter – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077416/
4. [Heaven’s Gate – Criterion Collection](https://www.criterion.com/films/28360-heaven-s-gate
