The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film co-written and directed by Michael Cimino about three steelworker friends, played by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, whose lives were changed irrevocably during the Vietnam War. The movie was filmed in a variety of locations, with some of the hunting scenes being filmed in various parts of Pennsylvania.
The Background of The Deer Hunter
The Deer Hunter was released in December 1978 to critical and commercial success, grossing $94 million domestically and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1979. The movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won five. It was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won three.
Where Was The Deer Hunter Filmed?
The Deer Hunter was filmed on location in a variety of places, including the towns of Clairton, Pennsylvania, and Smithton, Pennsylvania, as well as in Thailand and in California. The hunting scenes were filmed in various parts of Pennsylvania, including the Allegheny National Forest and the surrounding area.
The Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest is a National Forest located in northwestern Pennsylvania. It is the home of the elk, bear, and deer that were used in the hunting scenes of The Deer Hunter. The forest is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including beavers, raccoons, and bald eagles. The Allegheny National Forest covers approximately 517,000 acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service.
The Clairton Works
The Clairton Works is a steel mill located in Clairton, Pennsylvania, which was used as a set in The Deer Hunter. The mill was one of the largest steel mills in the world at the time, and was featured in the opening scenes of the movie. The mill was owned by U.S. Steel and operated until 2015, when it was closed due to declining demand for steel.
Smithton, Pennsylvania
Smithton, Pennsylvania is a small town located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. The town was the location for some of the outdoor scenes in The Deer Hunter, including the wedding scene. The town was chosen for its small-town charm and its proximity to the Allegheny National Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Deer Hunter?
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film co-written and directed by Michael Cimino about three steelworker friends, played by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, whose lives were changed irrevocably during the Vietnam War.
Where was The Deer Hunter filmed?
The Deer Hunter was filmed on location in a variety of places, including the towns of Clairton, Pennsylvania, and Smithton, Pennsylvania, as well as in Thailand and in California. The hunting scenes were filmed in various parts of Pennsylvania, including the Allegheny National Forest and the surrounding area.
Where were the hunting scenes in The Deer Hunter filmed?
The hunting scenes in The Deer Hunter were filmed in various parts of Pennsylvania, including the Allegheny National Forest and the surrounding area.
What wildlife is found in the Allegheny National Forest?
The Allegheny National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bear, deer, beavers, raccoons, and bald eagles.
What is the Clairton Works?
The Clairton Works is a steel mill located in Clairton, Pennsylvania, which was used as a set in The Deer Hunter. The mill was one of the largest steel mills in the world at the time, and was featured in the opening scenes of the movie.
Where is Smithton, Pennsylvania?
Smithton, Pennsylvania is a small town located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. The town was the location for some of the outdoor scenes in The Deer Hunter, including the wedding scene.
Why was Smithton, Pennsylvania chosen for The Deer Hunter?
Smithton, Pennsylvania was chosen for The Deer Hunter due to its small-town charm and its proximity to the Allegheny National Forest.
What awards did The Deer Hunter win?
The Deer Hunter was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won five. It was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won three.
Who wrote and directed The Deer Hunter?
The Deer Hunter was co-written and directed by Michael Cimino.
What year was The Deer Hunter released?
The Deer Hunter was released in December 1978.
How much money did The Deer Hunter make domestically?
The Deer Hunter grossed $94 million domestically and became the highest-grossing film of 1979.
What actors starred in The Deer Hunter?
The Deer Hunter starred Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage.
What are the other locations where The Deer Hunter was filmed?
The Deer Hunter was filmed in a variety of locations, including Thailand and California.
When did the Clairton Works close?
The Clairton Works was owned by U.S. Steel and operated until 2015, when it was closed due to declining demand for steel.