Oliver Stone, never one to shirk controversy, premiered his new film 'South of the Border' amid tumultuous applause and a standing ovation both before and after the showing. The film shows Stone travelling around the countries of South America, beginning with the so-called dictatorship of Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela. He talks openly about Chavez to the other heads of state including Evo Morales (Bolivia), Nester Kirchner (former President of Argentina) and Cristina Kirchner, his glamorous wife and now President.
This is an interesting documentary focusing mostly on the reaction of both the US government and the US media to Chavez in particular, but most of the other countries and the influence of the IMF and DEA. Is this a huge PR whitewash for South America – highly doubtful – or a nieve look at latin politics by Stone?
Adding weight to his film Stone appeared on the red carpet with Hugo Chavez in person, the first time a head of state has come to the Lido to watch himself in a movie. Both received a rapturous welcome. Heavy security, riot police on hand and the usual delays all added to the tension and a fair amount of anti-American feeling in the cinema. Appearing on screen and also claiming screenwriting credits was our own Tariq Ali – 60's political extremist, always at the head of a protest! Nice to see him gainfully employed.
Later - George Clooney and Ewan McGregor.
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