Set in Stone: Interview with Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone is certainly no stranger to controversy. That's what makes the infamous filmmaker's latest movie, "World Trade Center," such an anomaly. It's completely devoid of conspiracy theories or controversial storytelling.

Whereas past films like "JFK" did more than just ruffle a few feathers, "Center" doesn't examine anything more than 24 hours of the lives of two men.

"I worked very closely with the people involved," Stone said in a conference call with the Tribune last week.

"It's such an extraordinary story — it just has to be told. I didn't see the need for a fictionalized story."

The narrow focus was intentional.

"It's a miraculous story," he said. "It grips you from beginning to end. It doesn't call for anything beyond it."

Even the voices of those who believe it's too soon for a film about such a recent tragic event, or those who feel Stone may be exploiting the event, have been somewhat muted.

This has been his most well-received of all his films, Stone said, with 80 percent of those leaving the movie saying they would recommend it to friends.

When asked if the film should have a disclaimer because it may cause painful flashbacks for those deeply affected by the attacks, Stone bristled.

"If someone is really traumatized, they should know what to see and what not to see," Stone said.

Ultimately, Stone felt this was an important story to tell. It encompasses values everyone can appreciate, regardless of creed or color.

It's a universal story, Stone said. Even though the film takes place in the United States, he feels the film will be successful overseas.

"I hope people from all over the world are able to relate to it," Stone said. "The qualities of the human heart, compassion — these are universal."

However, Stone knew that even though the film would encompass these values, if he didn't get every detail correct he would be, in his words, "chased down by the culture police."

"We were always trying to get the details correct," he said. "It was, frankly, a bitch."

As always, Stone's experience as a soldier in Vietnam played a role in the survival scenes of the film.

It's given him a different view on the thin line that separates life and death.

"I've always been fascinated by the edge of death," he said.

Originally published on Sept 7 in the Marquette Tribune