By, Jessica Elgot
1 min read
ByJessica Elgot, Jessica Elgot
A new project from the Oscar-winning film director Oliver Stone will aim to “correct” 20th century historical "inaccuracies", including his belief that Adolf Hitler was a scapegoat.
The Natural Born Killers director is putting together a ten-hour crash course on the history of the last century for American TV channel Showtime, Oliver Stone’s Secret History of America.
Launching his series in Pasadena, California, Mr Stone said: "Hitler is an easy scapegoat throughout history and it's been used cheaply.
"I've been able to walk in Stalin's shoes and Hitler's shoes, to understand their point of view. You cannot approach history unless you have empathy for the person you may hate."
Mr Stone has regularly courted controversy with his portrayals of historical figures. He caused a furore over his conspiracy theories about the assassination of John F Kennedy in JFK.
He also drew criticism for his depictions of George W Bush in W and Fidel Castro in Comandante.
Earlier this year he also defended Hitler to the Television Critics Association, saying: “We can't judge people as only 'bad' or 'good'. He is the product of a series of actions. It's cause and effect. People in America don't know the connection between World War One and World War Two."