Description:
Michael Cimino studied architecture and dramatic arts; later he filmed advertisements and documentaries and also wrote scripts until the actor, producer and director Clint Eastwood gave him the opportunity to direct the thriller Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974). But his biggest success was The Deer Hunter (1978) which won the Oscar for Best Picture. For another successful film, The Sicilian (1987), he got into trouble with critics when they accused him of portraying as a hero the Italian criminal Salvatore Giuliano.
Birthday
February 3, 1939
Born In
New York City, New York, USA
Alternative names
Mike Cimino
Height
165 cm
Trivia
In December 1981 he was signed to direct the musical Footloose (1984). Producer Daniel Melnick warned him that if the film went over its budget of $7.5 million, Cimino would have to cover the expenses himself. He agreed, but the following month, just as the movie was about to begin shooting, he asked Melnick to let him rewrite the screenplay for an additional $250.000 and to delay the start date. Melnick fired him and Herbert Ross directed Footloose (1984) instead.
Quotes
[11/11/96 interview in "People" magazine on how the failure of Heaven's Gate (1980) affected his life] It was really a great trauma, as everyone knows. Since then, I've been unable to make any movie that I've wanted to make. I've been making the best of what is available.
Nickname
The Ayatollah
Trademarks
Frequently casts Mickey Rourke, Christopher Walken and Jeff Bridges
