Pocket Essentials is a dynamic series of books that are concise, lively, and easy to read. Packed with facts as well as expert opinions, each book has all the key information you need to know about such popular topics as film, television, cult fiction, history, and more. Oliver Stone is one of the most controversial, yet most honored, filmmakers of our time. Is he the conscience of Hollywood, or is he a pretentious opportunist cashing in on false liberalism? Do his films break new technical ground artistically, or is he just a hack trying to use tricks to cover up weak points in his stories? Stone appears to court controversy, yet in many ways has been a very traditional Hollywood filmmaker, working within the system. This Pocket Essential explores all these questions, reviewing and analyzing each of Stone's movies, going behind the scenes to examine the arguments his movies have raised, and adding some thought-provoking insights to the world of modern cinema's most infamous son.

Review

“These miniature guides are packed to the margins with important facts and enlightening commentary.” -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

From the Publisher

Pocket Essentials is a dynamic series of books that are brief, lively, and easy to read. Packed with facts as well as expert opinions, each book has all the key information you need to know about such popular topics as film, television, cult fiction, history, and more. In addition to an introduction to the subject, each topic is individually analyzed and reviewed, examining its impact on popular culture or history. There’s also a reference section that lists related web sites and weightier (and more expensive) books on the subject. For media buffs, students, and inquiring minds, these are great entry–level books that build into an essential library.