It’s a remarkable feat, especially when one considers the complexity of The Deer Hunter and its sheer emotional span. Director Michael Cimino doesn’t waste time on backgrounding these characters because he doesn’t have to their obvious comfort together, a matrix of petty insults, gives insight into their deep and lasting bonds. From the very first scenes we can see that Michael, Nick and Steven have known each other all of their lives, neighbours in a tight community. Split, in classic fashion, into three acts and three central figures, The Deer Hunter views Vietnam from a common-man perspective. All are used to hunting deer in the mountains, so they can extrapolate the thrill of sighting an enemy.

As friends are wont to do, the core group of Michael, Nick, Stan (John Cazale), John (George Dzundza) and Axel (Chuck Aspegren) celebrate the coming battles. Of course it’s at the reception that everyone relaxes, it being a whirl of vodka, stylised dancing and feasting sufficient to set the happy couple on their matrimonial road. The unfortunate thing is that while these two are a couple, Nick’s buddy Michael (Robert De Niro) would very much like to be in his shoes. It’s a lengthy affair, with Nick (Christopher Walken) and Linda (Meryl Streep) acting as courtiers. The wedding is held inside the local cathedral, an enormous, glitteringly decorated testament to the unshakeable faith of these Russian-Americans. It’s a great source of despair for Steven’s first-generation, immigrant mother (Shirley Stoler). Steven (John Savage) is the groom, tying the knot with already pregnant Angela (Rutanya Alda). Yet three life-long friends are about to depart for the alternative hell of Vietnam, with one taking the extra commitment of marriage. A Stygian scene, in the smoke and fire labour men who’ve never managed to escape their birthplace.

In the small Pennsylvanian town of Clairton, a steelworks that looms tall dominates the skyline. An emotionally charged, detailed saga of friendship and the damage wrought by Vietnam, The Deer Hunter stands alongside the very best examples of this genre.

Where was the deer hunter filmed