40 Facts About Oliver Stone

Early Life and Education

Oliver Stone's journey to becoming a renowned filmmaker began with a unique upbringing and diverse educational experiences. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life and education.

1. 01Born on September 15, 1946, in New York City, Oliver Stone was the only child of a French mother and an American father.
2. 02Stone's father, Louis Stone, was a stockbroker, while his mother, Jacqueline, was a French teacher.
3. 03He attended The Hill School, a prestigious boarding school in Pennsylvania, where he developed an interest in writing.
4. 04Stone briefly attended Yale University but dropped out after one year to teach English in South Vietnam.
5. 05After returning to the U.S., he enrolled at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied film under the legendary director Martin Scorsese.

Military Service

Oliver Stone's military service in Vietnam had a profound impact on his life and work. His experiences during the war influenced many of his films.

6. 06Stone enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and requested combat duty in Vietnam.
7. 07He served in the 25th Infantry Division and later the 1st Cavalry Division.
8. 08Stone was wounded twice during his service and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery.
9. 09His experiences in Vietnam inspired his critically acclaimed film "Platoon," which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Early Career

Before becoming a household name, Oliver Stone worked on various projects that helped shape his filmmaking style.

10. 10Stone's first major screenplay was for the horror film "Seizure" in 1974, which he also directed.
11. 11He wrote the screenplay for "Midnight Express" (1978), which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
12. 12Stone directed "The Hand" (1981), a psychological horror film starring Michael Caine.
13. 13He wrote the screenplay for "Scarface" (1983), directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino.

Breakthrough and Major Films

Stone's breakthrough came with a series of films that tackled controversial subjects and showcased his unique storytelling abilities.

14. 14"Platoon" (1986) was Stone's first major success as a director, earning him his first Oscar for Best Director.
15. 15"Wall Street" (1987) starred Michael Douglas, who won an Academy Award for his role as Gordon Gekko.
16. 16"Born on the Fourth of July" (1989) starred Tom Cruise and earned Stone his second Oscar for Best Director.
17. 17"JFK" (1991) explored the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and sparked widespread debate.
18. 18"Natural Born Killers" (1994) was a satirical crime film that critiqued the media's obsession with violence.

Controversies and Criticisms

Oliver Stone's career has not been without controversy. His films often provoke strong reactions and spark heated debates.

19. 19"JFK" faced criticism for its conspiracy theories and historical inaccuracies.
20. 20"Natural Born Killers" was blamed for inspiring real-life violent crimes, leading to lawsuits against Stone.
21. 21"Alexander" (2004) was criticized for its historical inaccuracies and portrayal of Alexander the Great's sexuality.
22. 22Stone's documentary "South of the Border" (2009) was accused of being overly sympathetic to leftist Latin American leaders.

Personal Life

Stone's personal life has been as eventful as his professional career, with multiple marriages and a passion for activism.

23. 23Stone has been married three times and has three children.
24. 24His first marriage was to Najwa Sarkis in 1971, but they divorced in 1977.
25. 25He married Elizabeth Stone in 1981, and they had two sons before divorcing in 1993.
26. 26Stone married his current wife, Sun-jung Jung, in 1996, and they have one daughter.
27. 27He is an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy and has made several documentaries on political subjects.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Oliver Stone has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to film.

28. 28Stone has won three Academy Awards: two for Best Director ("Platoon" and "Born on the Fourth of July") and one for Best Adapted Screenplay ("Midnight Express").
29. 29He received the Golden Globe Award for Best Director for "Platoon," "Born on the Fourth of July," and "JFK."
30. 30Stone was awarded the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for "Platoon."
31. 31He received the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Midnight Express."

Documentaries and Political Films

In addition to his narrative films, Stone has directed several documentaries and political films that reflect his views on various issues.

32. 32"Comandante" (2003) is a documentary about Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
33. 33"Looking for Fidel" (2004) is a follow-up to "Comandante," featuring more interviews with Castro.
34. 34"South of the Border" (2009) examines the political landscape of Latin America and features interviews with several leftist leaders.
35. 35"The Untold History of the United States" (2012) is a documentary series that offers an alternative perspective on American history.

Recent Work

Oliver Stone continues to work on new projects, exploring different genres and subjects.

36. 36"Snowden" (2016) is a biographical thriller about Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified information.
37. 37Stone directed "The Putin Interviews" (2017), a series of interviews with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
38. 38He is currently working on a new documentary about climate change and its impact on the world.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Oliver Stone that showcase his diverse interests and talents.

39. 39Stone is fluent in French and Spanish, thanks to his multicultural upbringing.
40. 40He has a cameo appearance in the film "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" (2010), reprising his role as Bud Fox's lawyer from the original "Wall Street."

The Legacy of Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone's impact on cinema is undeniable. With a career spanning decades, he's given us films that challenge, provoke, and inspire. From "Platoon" to "JFK", his storytelling dives deep into the human experience and political intrigue. Stone's unique perspective and fearless approach have earned him numerous awards and a lasting place in film history.

His work isn't just about entertainment; it's a mirror reflecting society's complexities. Stone's films often spark conversations about history, politics, and morality. This ability to engage audiences on multiple levels sets him apart from many filmmakers.

As we look back on his career, it's clear that Oliver Stone has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His films will continue to be studied, discussed, and enjoyed for generations. Stone's legacy is one of bold storytelling and a relentless pursuit of truth.