5. Oliver Stone
Most Controversial Film: Natural Born Killers Oliver Stone made his name in cinema by being outlandish, daring and controversial and creating vivid and aggressive pieces such as Scarface and Platoon. Stone didn't really gain significant controversy until the 90's with the release of JFK which was released to a storm of media attention surrounding the factual accuracies of the film and the implication that Lyndon Johnson was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy. Despite the controversy that overwhelmed the film, it became a phenomenal critical success and received 8 Academy Award nomination. Stone didn't become fully embroiled in controversy until 1994's Natural Born Killers, Stone's visceral and frenzied Bonnie and Clyde like tale that was also a slamming indictment of the MTV generation, America's bloodlust and the media fascination with monstrous killers. Natural Born Killers had several battles with censorship and has faced several accusations of inspiring copycat crimes. Most notably, the film has been linked to the Columbine High School Massacre as the perpetrators of that vile act were known to be fanatical about the film. Stone has also received much controversy more recently for his documentary work which much of the anti-socialist media of America has condemned. His films, South of the Border and Commandante, both explore the new wave of socialism that has spread over South America, which obviously if you know anything about American politics, you'll understand why they have received a controversial reception in the States. Stone is a single-minded director who is not afraid of dealing with controversy and he seems to get a kick out of it.