Stone explores 'Secret History' (THR, VAR)

By R. Kinsey Lowe

Oliver Stone is about to speak his mind -- again -- but this time it will be on TV, and the fearless director hopes to draw public attention to aspects of American history he feels have been underreported, both trades reported.

"Oliver Stone's Secret American History" will unfold over 10 one-hour installments he will narrate next year on the pay cable network Showtime.

Stone, whose political instincts have colored his feature film choices including "Salvator," "Platoon," "JFK," "Nixon" and more recently "W," issued a statement that said, "Through this epic 10-hour series, which I feel is the deepest contribution I could ever make in film to my children and the next generation, I can only hope a change in our thinking will result."

Topics are expected to include President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb, the origins of the Cold War and America's changing role in the world following the fall of communism, as well as "the fierce struggle between war and peace in America's national security complex."

Stone's work is always provocative, and probably will be right at home on Showtime, which has several successfully edgy drama series such as "Dexter," about a serial killer police forensics expert who murders serial killers; "Weeds," about a woman who is getting ever-deeper over her head as a result of her marijuana dealing and "Nurse Jackie," which stars Edie Falco as an razor-tongued R.N. in a hospital trauma unit who has multiple complex issues including a major painkiller habit.

Meanwhile, Stone is preparing to shoot "Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps," in which Michael Douglas reprises his role as Gordon Gekko.