platoon

If you thought the cast of 'Platoon' perfectly captured that haggard and frayed wartime soldier look and attitude perfectly, there's a reason for that. One that made for a great movie, but appears to have been more challenging for the cast, as Forest Whitaker described it on 'Late Show with David Letterman' (Weeknights, 11:35PM on CBS).

As he explained it, "I think [director Oliver Stone] wanted us to feel in some ways what it was like to be in war."

That included having them dig a hole for sleeping during filming, and really living in the jungle. Stone even perpetrated what Whitaker described as "a simulation" experience.

Rather than dramatize the kinds of conspiracy theories that led to his film JFK being one of the most controversial releases of its time, Oliver Stone's latest project is a documentary series. The ten-part Secret History of America will cover the last 60 years of America, and is said to cover the dramatically "under-reported" events of that era that shaped this country.

It also promises to include "newly discovered facts" from the Kennedy administration, the Vietnam War and how America achieved its current global role post-Cold War. In other words, it'll be full of controversial ideas that will upset a lot of people. Sounds like Oliver Stone alright. I'm sure Michael Moore will be paying attention to see how successful this is.

Paul Newman Marathon
Sun., Oct. 12, beginning at 6 AM on TCM

Celebrate the career of the late Paul Newman with TCM's all day marathon. Selections include classic films like 'Hud' and 'Cool Hand Luke,' along with Newman's directorial debut, 'Rachel, Rachel,' which earned wife Joanne Woodward an Oscar nomination.

'The Shining'
Mon., Oct. 13, 9PM on MOMAXe

A writer (Jack Nicholson) goes mad while serving as caretaker with his wife (Shelley Duvall) and clairvoyant son (Danny Lloyd) at a snowbound Colorado hotel.