The Next Reel Film Podcast

What’s the better Vietnam film in Oliver Stone’s career – _Platoon_ or _Born on the Fourth of July_? How well does Tom Cruise work in the lead role, especially at this point in his career? And how does this film show the culmination of everything Stone’s learned to tell the filmic stories he wants to tell over the course of the 80s? Tune in to this week’s show to hear us answer these questions and more!

Show Notes

“Thou shalt not kill, Mom. Thou shalt not kill women and children!”

It was originally Al Pacino and his producing partner Martin Bregman who optioned Ron Kovic’s autobiographical book “Born on the Fourth of July” in 1977 so Pacino could play the role. They hired a young Oliver Stone to adapt it but after a few years of not getting anywhere, they dropped it. Stone told Kovic that if he made it, he’d circle back to get it made. True to his word, after the success of Platoon, Stone reached back out and they began the process again, this time with Stone directing. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close out our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Stone’s 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July.

We talk about the small amount of Vietnam in this second film of Stone’s Vietnam trilogy and how it’s interesting in how much that element shapes the overall story. We discuss Tom Cruise in the lead role and how this is a perfect example of Cruise always pushing to be the best and why we love him so much here. We argue over whether the facial hair and wig work is good or not. We run through the list of all the other fantastic performers seen over the course of this epic life story. We debate the nature of biopics and if there’s another word to describe this type or not. We chat about Robert Richardson and all the amazing cinematographical choices made throughout this film. And we marvel at the incredible John Williams score which works so well.

We have a great time talking about this film so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.