I was at a press conference in 2003 where Oliver Stone scornfully dismissed George W. Bush as "a synthetic person... an ex-alcoholic who believes in Jesus. What could be more dangerous!" It was a memorable put-down, and Stone's contempt for Bush (who, incidentally, he was at Yale with) was all too evident.

In the light of all that, it is not surprising that Stone has made a 60-second TV spot for MoveOn.Org Political Action backing the move to pull troops out of Iraq. What is surprising, however, is the spot itself - featuring serviceman John Bruhns, who served in Iraq between 2003 and 2004, giving the case for withdrawal of U.S. forces - which is totally lacking in the passion inherent in both Stone's cinematic style, and his personality as a whole. Indeed the only hint that Stone is in any way involved is the all-too-brief appearance of Ron Kovic (with whom Stone has clearly stayed in contact since making Born on the Fourth of July) at the end of the ad. That aside, though, it comes across as the most toothless thing Stone has ever been involved with, and is so devoid of any character that it seems to raise questions about the level of involvement Stone actually had.

Make up your own mind by watching it below.

# posted by Nick Dawson @ 5/05/2007 09:42:00 AM

Comments (3)

 
Sir, does this mean Ann-Margaret's not coming?...
# posted by  Anonymous @ 5/05/2007 1:24 PM  

 
I would have thought a quote from Platoon rather than Full Metal Jacket would have been more apt...
# posted by  Nick Dawson @ 5/05/2007 9:26 PM  

 
Quoting FMJ is a commentary on Platoon...
# posted by  Anonymous @ 5/06/2007 1:49 AM  

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