For those in the Los Angeles area, a restored and uncut version of Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate will screen at the Aero Theatre
on Thursday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the venue’s ongoing series of the favorite films of quasi-retired Los Angeles Times film critic Kevin Thomas, who will introduce the screening — presumably not raving in foaming-mouth fashion about how he needs production notes before it can begin. Cimino’s sprawling, epic anti-Western, from 1980, was one of the most hotly debated films of its time, a blockbuster whose budget spiraled out of control, nearly bankrupting United Artists and hastening the embattled company’s sale to MGM. Did that color its reception? Sure, you bet. Is it still a hot mess? Yes, indeed. The uncut version, by the way? Three hours and 39 minutes, for those counting.
The Aero Theatre
is located at 1328 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica
information on directions and the Aero’s upcoming schedule,
phone (323) 466-FILM.