Edward Snowden is perhaps one of the most polarizing figures of the 21st century in my opinion. If you don’t know who he is, he should be the first name that pops up when you type the letter “e” on google search. From that point, the information you find may sound like something straight out of a movie. But it all really happened. At the age of 29, the former C.I.A employee and NSA contractor exposed the National Security Agency’s global surveillance documents, government secrecy, and their use of information privacy and national security. Since releasing these deocuments, Snowden has resided in Russia, away from American government authorities who want him back home and in prison. 3 years later, the world is still in divide over what he did. Is he a hero? A traitor? Who better to explore this man’s story than the great Oliver Stone? The man who brought audiences such films as Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, and JFK. Let’s go over the positives and negatives of Snowden before the final verdict.
Positives:
The Lead Performances:
Joseph Gordon Levitt and Shailene Woodley delivered terrific performances as Edward Snowden and Lindsay Mills did, respectively. Their chemistry together is seamless and natural as well as their relationship throughout the film was the most endearing element in the film. Being that it humanizes Snowden and makes the audience realize how his career has affected his relationship with the person he loves most. Every scene they shared together felt so real, it adds to the fantastic work that both actors brought to the screen.
Every scene involving how the NSA operated with Global Surveillance and Privacy
The thing that Oliver Stone does best in his films is finding a certain energy and editing style to introduce new concepts of controversy to his audience. Every scene displaying how the NSA operated its surveillance system, depicting how connections from person to person a billionth scale is captivating and interesting to watch and raises a question about what the government should and should not do.
Supporting Cast:
The supporting cast consisting of Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Rhys Ifans, and even Nicolas Cage were stellar as they all play pivotal roles in Snowden’s actions before, during and after his time with the NSA. Everyone listed gives off memorable performances and it was fun to see such talented actors take smaller roles and act without much distraction.
A great cameo:
No spoilers here, but there is a decision made by Stone in the film to include a very special cameo. It brings the film to life and reminds that we have the power and freedom to disagree with our government. Not everything has to be sugar-coated, not everything is fair. What matters at the end of the day is the idea of staying true to what is most important to us and what makes us human. It’s a great cameo and a good transition in editing to end the film.
Negatives:
Scenes of Snowden’s Epilepsy:
A plot element not entirely needed and forced into the film as way to add more conflict and sympathy for Snowden are the scenes involving his epileptic episdoes. Although filmed and edited very well, they disrupt the narrative and flow of the story, giving a subplot that feels unnecessary to everything else going on in the film.
Final Verdict:
Snowden will go down as one of Oliver Stone’s most underrated gems in the next couple of decades. People criticise the movie’s pace as its biggest fault. But the pacing of the film didn’t drag in the slightest for me. The movie I saw was more than just about what Snowden did. It’s about the why, and most importantly, the type of person he always was that defined him and led him to releasing government information. Is he a hero or a villain? That’s our right to decide. That’s the point of this film. And it is truly a great one.
Grade: A+