Heaven's Gate

Michael Cimino writes and directs this large-scale Western starring Kris Kristofferson and Christopher Walken. Set in the late 1800s in Johnson County, Wyoming, the film follows the conflict between American cattlemen and European immigrants. Harvard graduate James Averill (Kristofferson) is appointed marshal to keep the peace, but clashes with his friend, gunfighter Nate Champion (Walken), who is working for land baron Frank Canton (Sam Waterston). Champion, like Averill, is vying for the attentions of Ella Watson (Isabelle Huppert), the madam of the local brothel, which only adds to the rivalry between the two men. Soon the situation in Johnson County worsens and war breaks out with disastrous consequences. The cast also includes Joseph Cotton, Jeff Bridges, John Hurt and Mickey Rourke.