21-Jul-20
This podcast is a fascinating journey into the mind of Oliver Stone, a renowned filmmaker whose work has always been deeply intertwined with his experiences. He candidly discusses his personal history, including his time serving in Vietnam, his struggles with fame, and his unwavering pursuit of truth. Provocative and controversial topics like the Vietnam War, the JFK assassination, and the war on drugs are explored, revealing a man grappling with the complexities of American history and the powerful influence of the military-industrial complex.
1. **Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War Experience:**
- Stone’s Vietnam War service shaped his artistic vision, giving him a unique perspective on combat and the realities of war.
- He experienced the horrors of war firsthand, including the chaos of combat, the prevalence of friendly fire, and the psychological toll of trauma.
- His film “Platoon” was born from this experience, aiming to portray the war’s raw brutality and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.
- The film’s realism and its portrayal of the war’s complexities challenged the prevailing narratives and resonated deeply with veterans.
2. **The Untold History of the United States:**
- Stone’s documentary series “The Untold History of the United States” explores hidden chapters of American history, challenging conventional narratives and exposing government secrecy.
- It reveals how the pursuit of power, corporate interests, and the military-industrial complex have shaped America’s foreign policy and domestic issues.
- He exposes how events like the Vietnam War, the JFK assassination, and the war on drugs are deeply interconnected, highlighting a pattern of deception and manipulation.
- Stone emphasizes the importance of understanding these historical truths to create a more just and informed society.
3. **The JFK Assassination:**
- Stone’s film “JFK” delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination, examining evidence and alternative narratives.
- He questions the official findings of the Warren Commission, highlighting inconsistencies and the potential for a cover-up.
- Stone’s film sparked a renewed debate about the assassination, prompting further investigation and the release of previously classified documents.
- He believes that uncovering the truth about the assassination is crucial for understanding the dark side of American power and the potential for manipulation.
4. **The War on Drugs:**
- Stone critiques the war on drugs as a failure, arguing that it has created more problems than it has solved.
- He highlights the hypocrisy of the United States’ role in the global drug trade, particularly its involvement in Afghanistan’s opium production.
- He believes that the war on drugs has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, exacerbating inequality and fueling the prison-industrial complex.
- Stone advocates for a more nuanced and humane approach to drug policy, prioritizing harm reduction and treatment over criminalization.
5. **The Military-Industrial Complex and Surveillance State:**
- Stone expresses deep concern about the growing influence of the military-industrial complex, which he believes prioritizes profits over peace.
- He argues that the endless pursuit of military dominance and the creation of enemies fuels conflict and perpetuates a culture of fear.
- Stone criticizes the erosion of privacy and civil liberties due to the expansion of surveillance technologies, warning about the dangers of a totalitarian state.
- He advocates for greater transparency and accountability in government, urging citizens to demand a more peaceful and just world.
6. **The Importance of Storytelling:**
- Stone believes that filmmaking is a powerful tool for social change, enabling him to explore complex and controversial issues.
- He strives to create engaging and entertaining narratives that convey a message, educating and challenging audiences to think critically.
- He acknowledges the risks of being an outspoken filmmaker, but maintains his commitment to using his platform to expose truths and spark debate.
- Stone believes that storytelling can ignite empathy, inspire action, and ultimately contribute to a more just world.
7. **Oliver Stone’s Personal Journey:**
- Stone’s memoir “Chasing the Light” provides a glimpse into his personal life, revealing his struggles with his family, his pursuit of meaning, and his artistic development.
- He candidly discusses his experiences with trauma, self-doubt, and the challenges of navigating fame and public scrutiny.
- Stone’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative nature of art.
- He encourages listeners to confront their own flaws and strive for self-understanding, ultimately using their experiences to create positive change.
8. **The Nature of Truth:**
- Stone emphasizes the importance of seeking truth, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- He believes that the pursuit of truth is a constant struggle, requiring critical thinking, skepticism, and a willingness to question authority.
- Stone argues that ignoring uncomfortable truths only perpetuates injustice and prevents progress.
- He encourages listeners to actively seek out diverse perspectives, engage in critical dialogue, and never stop questioning the narratives presented by those in power.
9. **The Power of Influence:**
- Stone highlights the powerful influence of individuals like Allan Dulles and Lyndon Johnson, whose actions had significant impacts on American history.
- He explores the complex dynamics of power, influence, and the potential for corruption within government institutions.
- Stone emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations and agendas of those in positions of power to navigate the complexities of the world.
- He encourages listeners to be aware of the potential for manipulation and to question the narratives presented by those seeking to influence public opinion.
10. **The Role of the Media:**
- Stone criticizes the media’s role in shaping public perception, highlighting how it can be used to manipulate and control information.
- He discusses how the media can be complicit in promoting propaganda, suppressing dissenting voices, and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
- Stone encourages listeners to be critical consumers of media, to question the narratives presented, and to seek out diverse perspectives.
- He believes that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy, but warns about the potential for media manipulation to undermine truth and justice.
11. **The Complexity of History:**
- Stone acknowledges the complexity of history, emphasizing that there are often multiple perspectives and interpretations of events.
- He encourages listeners to avoid simplistic narratives and to embrace the nuance and ambiguity of the past.
- Stone believes that understanding the past is crucial for making informed decisions about the future, but warns against using history as a tool for justification or manipulation.
- He encourages listeners to engage in critical reflection and to seek out a more complete and nuanced understanding of history.
12. **The Importance of Courage:**
- Stone emphasizes the importance of courage in confronting difficult truths and challenging those in power.
- He highlights the risks of speaking out against the status quo, but argues that silence is often complicity.
- Stone encourages listeners to find their voice, to stand up for what they believe in, and to fight for a more just and equitable world.
- He believes that individual courage, multiplied across many people, can create powerful movements for change.
13. **The Power of Art:**
- Stone believes that art can be a powerful tool for social change, inspiring empathy, challenging perspectives, and promoting critical thinking.
- He argues that art can give voice to the marginalized, expose injustices, and inspire hope for a better future.
- Stone encourages listeners to support artists who are challenging the status quo and to engage with art that sparks critical reflection and promotes understanding.
- He believes that art has the power to transform individuals and societies, ultimately contributing to a more just and compassionate world.
14. **The Ongoing Quest for Truth:**
- Stone’s ongoing work, including his documentary about the JFK assassination, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.
- He acknowledges the limitations of documentary filmmaking, but remains dedicated to presenting evidence and challenging dominant narratives.
- Stone believes that the quest for truth is a lifelong journey, requiring constant vigilance, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge established power structures.
- He encourages listeners to join him on this journey, to remain skeptical, to demand accountability, and to never stop seeking a more complete understanding of the world.
15. **The Importance of Personal Growth:**
- Stone’s personal journey highlights the importance of self-reflection and the constant pursuit of growth.
- He acknowledges his own flaws and contradictions, recognizing that personal growth is a lifelong process.
- Stone encourages listeners to engage in honest self-assessment, to confront their own biases, and to strive for continuous improvement.
- He believes that personal growth is essential for creating a more just and compassionate world.
16. **The Future of America:**
- Stone expresses concern about the current state of American politics, citing the increasing polarization, the rise of populism, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
- He warns about the dangers of a return to Cold War-era tensions, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and understanding.
- Stone believes that the future of America depends on its ability to confront its past, to address its systemic inequalities, and to embrace a more just and peaceful path.
- He encourages listeners to actively engage in the political process, to demand accountability from their leaders, and to work towards a brighter future for all.
17. **The Power of Empathy:**
- Stone’s films and his own personal experiences highlight the importance of empathy and understanding.
- He believes that seeing the world through the eyes of others, even those who are different from us, is essential for building a more peaceful and just society.
- Stone encourages listeners to cultivate empathy, to engage in respectful dialogue, and to work towards building bridges of understanding across divides.
- He believes that empathy is the foundation for a more compassionate and humane world.
18. **The Quest for Meaning:**
- Stone’s personal journey is a testament to the human quest for meaning and purpose.
- He explores the complexities of finding meaning in a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty.
- Stone encourages listeners to seek out their own paths to meaning, to explore their passions, and to contribute to something larger than themselves.
- He believes that finding meaning in life is a personal and ongoing journey, but that it is ultimately essential for human fulfillment and well-being.
19. **The Role of Art in a Changing World:**
- Stone believes that art plays a vital role in navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
- He argues that art can provide a space for critical reflection, for challenging assumptions, and for imagining alternative possibilities.
- Stone encourages listeners to engage with art that sparks dialogue, challenges norms, and inspires action.
- He believes that art has the power to shape our understanding of the world and to inspire us to create a more just and equitable future.
20. **The Enduring Power of Truth:**
- Stone’s unwavering pursuit of truth throughout his career underscores the enduring power of truth.
- He believes that despite the efforts of those in power to suppress or distort truth, it ultimately prevails.
- Stone encourages listeners to remain vigilant in their pursuit of truth, to challenge those who seek to manipulate information, and to never stop questioning the narratives presented by those in power.
- He believes that the pursuit of truth is a collective endeavor, requiring courage, perseverance, and a shared commitment to justice.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “I was trying to get the exact distances and what and the amount of firepower is not as use it’s not as intense, generally speaking, as the movies make it.” – Stone addresses the common exaggeration of combat in films, drawing upon his real-life experience.
- “The Americans had a methodical way of doing it. We we we go into the jungle. We send the the little guys into the jungle. They meet resistance. pullback bomb or artillery, do anything, take minimum casualties.” – Stone highlights the American military’s strategy in Vietnam, emphasizing the devastating impact of bombing and its disregard for civilian casualties.
- “The bullet hitting those two people and finding its way on Oconley’s gurney. Magically, with very little distortion in the boat at all, is straight up horseshit.” – Stone expresses his disbelief in the “magic bullet” theory, drawing on his knowledge of firearms and ballistic trajectories.
- “They’re they’re they’re they’re an element to it. Young, you wanted somebody to rub out Oswald.” – Stone suggests the potential for a cover-up in the JFK assassination, hinting at a possible motive to silence Oswald before he could reveal critical information.
- “I think that if I were to get involved again in another movie, if not a documentary would be that one. about the accumulation of arms and the building buildings and the and the the the madness of of our leaders, Democrat and Republican. constantly pushing for more sanctions, more pressure on our perceived enemies.” – Stone expresses his deep concern about the escalating arms race and the potential for nuclear conflict, advocating for a more peaceful approach to international relations.