We've dissected the negatives, and spoken about the concerns hanging ominously over the film. But the movie has several interesting cinematic factors going in its favour. Here's a quick look:

Val Kilmer will play Philip. This is as terrific a casting decision as it gets, and the outspoken star should be expected to be characteristically startling. One of Stone's favourite stars, he's also bound to get a plum role with perfect character. If only he was young enough to play Alex.

The film's cinematographer is the Mexican Rodrigo Prieto, lauded for his work with Alejandro González Iñárritu on Amores Perros and 21 Grams, but also notable for 8 Mile, The 25th Hour and Frida. Plus, he has worked with Stone on a recent documentary.

The editor is Luc Besson's protégé Yann Hervé, whose work will have been complemented by two of Oliver Stone's trusted