Which director made the 1980 epic Western film Heaven's Gate?

The director of the 1980 epic Western film Heaven’s Gate was Michael Cimino. Cimino also wrote the film, which stars Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, John Hurt, Isabelle Huppert, and Jeff Bridges. Its story is loosely based on the Johnson County War, a violent 1890s conflict in Wyoming involving powerful cattle interests and European immigrants.

Heaven’s Gate became famous for its enormous production and troubled release. Cimino pursued an expansive visual style and demanded extensive retakes, causing the budget to rise far beyond its original plan. The film’s first cut was exceptionally long, and United Artists released a shortened version after severe criticism.

The movie is often remembered primarily as a commercial disaster, but later restorations and re-evaluations have led some critics to admire its landscapes, historical ambition, and carefully composed cinematography. The listed alternatives are notable American directors, but none directed Heaven’s Gate.