News of Ciminos death was first reported by Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux on Twitter.
We loved him too.
Heavens Gatecame two years later in 1980.
Credit: Jeff Christensen/AP
Initially derided as an example of Hollywood excess, the film has enjoyed a critical reevaluation in recent years.
AfterHeavens Gateflopped, Cimino went on to direct four more films, his last beingThe Sunchaserin 1996.
His last interviewhappened in 2015 withThe Hollywood Reporter.
Its always a daily struggle to write, he said of his day-to-day life at the time.
May the rest of us do half as well.
Director William Friedkin added, I wish I had paid tribute to Michael Cimino while he was alive.
He was an important and masterful filmmaker.
We will always have his work.
Filmmaker Jason Reitman wrote, Heavens Gatewas the bravest swing for the fences.
May we all be that bold when we turn on the camera.
See Fremauxs initial tweet below.
