Edward Snowden is a subject of controversy, having been called both a hero and a traitor. Edward Snowden is the person behind exposing the shocking illegal surveillance activities that the NSA had been using. Through exposing this, Snowden has become one of the most wanted people in the world.
"Snowden," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley and Zachary Quinto, is the shocking and true life story of Edward Snowden. Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone, who is known for directing the acclaimed 1991 movie "JFK," tackles this important and fascinating true story. No matter if you believe that Edward Snowden is a hero or a traitor, it can't be denied that this film tells the important story of why Snowden released the information, what he left behind and what he did to pull off one of the biggest information leaks in the United State's history.
"Snowden" seems mellow compared to Oliver Stone's other movies. There are very few wild conspiracy-mongering. The movie portrays Edward as a rational and ethical man. Its dialogue and pacing would work just fine on television but seems off with the movie, however, it isn't bad. The cinematography has chillingly spooky undertones of our technological reality that we live in. The script is fine and does a good job laying out the mechanics of surveillance with clarity. However, the script seems very poetic and not so much about technology and politics.
The film establishes high stakes for Snowden as he makes his decision between his love for Lindsay or his duty to his country. This made it seem like Snowden was a normal, humble guy that had a high ethical code.
Overall, this film was alright. It didn't go as in-depth as I had hoped it would. I also wish that the film had been more frightening, angrier and crazier. Overall, I would give this movie 5.6/10.
