Oliver Stone's U.S.A - Robert Brent Toplin

Oliver Stone has left an indelible mark on public opinion and political life and has generated enormous controversy and debate among those who take issue with his dramatic use of history. This text brings Stone face-to-face with some of his critics and supporters and allows Stone himself ample room to respond to their views. Featuring such luminaries as David Halberstam, Stephen Ambrose, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr, Walter LaFeber and Robert Rosenstone, this book provides a critique of Stone's most contested films to show how they may distort, amplify or transcend the historical realities they appear to depict. Films including ""Salvador"", ""Platoon"", ""Wall Street"", ""Born on the Fourth of July"", ""The Doors"", ""JFK"", ""Heaven and Earth"", ""Natural Born Killers"" and ""Nixon"" are examined, aiming to give a fuller appreciation of Stone as both artist and intellectual. In response, Stone offers a defence of his artistic vision.

Robert Brent Toplin is professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and author of Reel History: In Defense of Hollywood (see page 27).