Michael Cimino Has Passed

Michael Cimino, who won Oscars as director and a producer of “The Deer Hunter” before “Heaven’s Gate” destroyed his career and sped up the demise of 60-year-old United Artists, has died. He was 77.  Friends called the police when they couldn’t reach him and he was found dead Saturday.

Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux tweeted the news Saturday, writing that he died in peace surrounded by those close to him and the two women who loved him. “We loved him too,” wrote Fremaux.

He also made “Year of the Dragon” with Mickey Rourke, and co-wrote the Dirty Harry sequel “Magnum Force”.