i only saw this film once a quarter of a century ago and yet it impact have never leave me and i can still remember even now my reaction to it . i be mesmerise by the breadth and the sheer beauty of so much of the photography . i be astound that an american studio could produce such a european film with it slow pace and it unfocused plot . the lack of any strong character felt like a flaw but i rag at the completely unnecessary end on the yacht which seem a though it be bolt on to give some kind of plot cohesion and which be entirely at odds with the style of the rest of the picture . it be also refresh to see a western which make no pretence about the brutality and exploitation that so often be the unfortunate detritus of the american dream . the western scene and set also have an authenticity which be entirely new to me and which prefigure the recent deadwood series . the film be massively cut for the american audience and it my very real wish that in these day of director cut that michael cimino be give the opportunity of a fresh edit in the light of reflection a cut which could turn this ill fat movie into the masterpiece it have the potential to become . i have now see the original first cut and the network of relationship make so much more sense and although christopher walken be responsible mainly for carry this off . if only de niro and not kris kristofferson have play the main lead . there be still a massive preoccupation with create the reality and atmosphere to the detriment of a good script . nevertheless and the camera work be so cleverly handle that at time you could almost believe you be inside the action yourself . and there be many special moment . everybody argue in the hall in different language try to overcome their national difference and seek some unity of action in face of the impending disaster give a real insight into the difficulty face the weld together of the usa represent especially when the threat come from a combination of the old elite and money . nate falter approach to ella when she first visit his cabin stand in stark contrast to the violence that be to follow and be another one . i have a special showing with a large group of mate to see the new cut and we all enjoy it whilst have vary reservation . this revisionist and much close to the truth version of event be probably too much for american to take when the film be first release but we all felt it have enormous merit and that it place in cinema history be also due for major revision .