Although he directed a few films in the decades after "Heaven's Gate," Cimino kept a low profile, and plastic surgery made him almost unrecognizable. He always avoided questions about "Heaven's Gate," except to label Bach's book "a work of fiction." "Heaven's Gate" started filming in April 1979 and wrapped 11 months later, in March 1980. United Artists was sold to Kirk Kerkorian and MGM; at a Cannes screening of "Heaven's Gate," Cimino denied that his film was responsible. Based on its success, United Artists signed him for "Heaven's Gate," a Western based on the Johnson County Wars.

Source: Huffington Post July 02, 2016 22:41 UTC