Oliver Stone: “Anyone who looks at a director as a God is nuts”
On this 19th anniversary of 9/11, I am honored to welcome a Multi-Academy Award-winning filmmaker whose work has captured the drama of real life, including the tragic events at the World Trade Center.
His films have entered the pop culture lexicon, transcending what it means to be a film director. His new book, Chasing the Light chronicles the making of Platoon, Midnight Express, Salvador, and Scarface.
Perhaps no other filmmaker has influenced society’s view of history in the way Stone’s retelling of world-shaping events has done. Indeed, his film World Trade Center garnered praise and controversy for tackling the tale of first responders on September 11th. Some felt it was too soon. While others worried the film encouraged–in Stone’s words–“revenge” against the enemy. Still, Stone says, it is one of the most important films of his career.
In this interview, Stone offers his unvarnished opinion on success, social media, and filmmaking. Plus, we delve into the roadblocks that keep creators from reaching the audience–be it critics, box office pressures, and even film theorists who try to know better than the director.
And finally, Oliver Stone gives his advice to young filmmakers worried they are running out of time. Spoiler alert: you’re not.
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