After a couple of attempts at less thought provoking commercial films (see Any Given Sunday and U-Turn), Oliver Stone returns to what he does best. Stirring up the shit storm. Of course with the new movie Commandante, he's ventured into the realm of documentary film making and he's done so with a tremendous sense of intimacy and skill.

Actually, Comandante is a two hour document culminated from thirty hours worth of interview with Cuban icon Fidel Castro. The interview is conducted by Stone himself, and while this movie could be considered a documentary, it's almost as if the film were put together like a feature in that Stone is the director and Castro is his bigger than life star.

This movie was incredibly fascinating, and intimate to the point that I could look at Mr. Castro as a man rather then the historical, bigger than life figure he has become through the years.

Mr. Stone doesn't let this man off lightly either. He does ask questions that you expect and hope for him to ask. Nothing is off limits, as this veteran film maker asks numerous questions ranging in topic from The Bay of Pigs to personal questions about Mr. Castro's private life.

Mr. Castro is very candid and downright likable, although he is extremely elusive and knows how to tap dance around certain topics. There is also much humor to be found in this movie, including a moment in which the two discuss JFK and conspiracy theories. While this may have not been intended to be a funny moment, the audience certainly seemed amused.

I am a huge fan of Stone. I appreciate that he is provocative and always willing to push the envelope, and while I may not always agree with what he has to say, his voice is a strong one in the world of film.

Comandante is a fascinating character study about a real man.