The Biggest Box Office Flop in History Revealed

Over the past 30 years, the Western genre has experienced a notable resurgence on television, with shows like Paramount’s ‘Yellowstone’ achieving significant success. However, this revival has not translated into similar success for Western films. While neo-Westerns like the Coen Brothers’ ‘True Grit’ and Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Sicario’ have received critical acclaim, they haven’t sparked the same level of audience enthusiasm as Westerns did over fifty years ago. Among the films that significantly impacted the genre’s popularity was 1981’s ‘Heaven’s Gate’, which many attribute to the prolonged decline in Westerns and the end of the New Hollywood Renaissance of director-driven cinema.

‘Heaven’s Gate’ is infamous not only for its impact on Westerns but also for its tumultuous production. Directed by Michael Cimino, known for his Oscar-winning film ‘The Deer Hunter’, the movie was inspired by the Johnson County War but strays significantly from historical events. 

Image Courtesy: NPR

It depicts a conflict between impoverished immigrants and wealthy ranchers, centred around Sheriff James Averill and his rival Nathan Champion. Despite its all-star cast, including Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, and Jeff Bridges, the film was plagued by budget overruns, reshoots, and allegations of animal cruelty.

Upon its release, ‘Heaven’s Gate’ was pulled from theatres after just one week due to poor reception and a disastrously low box office performance, grossing only $3 million against a $40 million budget. The film’s failure was so severe that it nearly bankrupted United Artists and damaged Cimino’s career. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

In recent years, restored and re-edited versions of the film have been met with more favourable responses, similar to other director’s cuts like Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’. With renewed interest and the potential for debate among film enthusiasts, ‘Heaven’s Gate’ might finally receive the reconsideration it deserves. Its artistic achievements, including its impressive cast and art direction, offer ample material for discussion, making it a film worth re-evaluating for both new and long-time viewers.

–Farheen Ali