"An intimate memoir by the controversial, Oscar-winning director and screenwriter about his privileged New York upbringing, volunteering for combat, and his struggles and triumphs making such landmark films as Platoon, Midnight Express, and Scarface"--

Child of divorce -- Strange days -- The land across the sea -- Midnight express -- Downfall -- Waiting for the miracle -- South of the border -- Salvador, to hell and back -- Back to the jungle -- Top of the world.