Snowden

“Most Americans do not want freedom, they want security.” Snowden is a surprisingly lively and entertaining Oliver Stone flick with a good screenplay. Gordon-Levitt is believable and likeable as a noble, super-talented IT specialist, and the rest of the cast is pleasant enough (Woodley as his girlfriend, Ifans as the head of CIA and Quinto and Wilkinson as journalists). The rendering of a controversial topic that offers both suspense and humor (Nicolas Cage’s character) is well balanced. The pathetic tickling in the end is bearable, as the movie knows what it wants to say and puts its heart into it, which is the most important thing. [Cannes] (19.05.2016)

The director Oliver Stone really shines through the movie. You don’t really buy all the dialogues, but the picking on America is apparent in almost every scene. The wide range of actors backing him is really interesting, so a number of interesting faces appears throughout the movie. Anyway, the most important thing here is Snowden and Joseph Gordon-Lewitt portrayed him fantastically. However, when it comes to the screenplay, it is really boring. The film wants to say something more, but in the end leaves us with what we already know from the media. And whether you agree with Snowden or not really doesn’t matter. The essential is what happened on the Internet since the affair and it only confirmed the myths and theories that have been and still are revolving around the Internet. (14.01.2018)

Stone seeks the long-lost relevance of a commentator, in vain. Snowden's great motto is that, unlike his recent films, he has no annoying mannerist hallmark and falls of quite nicely. Oliver even forced the greatest living Gordon-Levitt impersonator to act, which is a solid accomplishment. Unfortunately, the content of the testimony itself, compared to what the Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour offered, is more of a clear introduction to the issue, which underscores Stone's well-known critical-patriotic stance on contemporary US democracy. Something provocative is missing, something that would burn into the retina. A tame personal level will not replace it. Snowden passes by pleasantly and finally smiles with uncontrollable pathos. It’s no mess, but also no subversion... [70%] (09.11.2016)

Stone is on great form. He’s even objective. He managed to present Snowden’s story well, with tension and dynamism. Levitt is excellent, the final glimpse of the real Snowden proves how well his transformation went. Information and freedom are more valuable that security. (26.01.2020)

Oliver Stone remains just as critical, slightly caustic and interesting. I'm a little worried that this patriot won't be doing anything more than dissecting American’s biting problems, and that's a bit of a shame (the glorious and "differently" conceived Alexander). On the other hand, Snowden is an interesting subject, decently handled and easy to grasp for an ordinary viewer unfamiliar with the case – even a complete illiterate can understand what is happening in the film and what is related to what. For die-hard political scientists and would-be pundits, however, it may not be the right fit, It's not pure documentary style, they wanted it to be good to go to the cinema and the purpose is fulfilled. (20.11.2016)

Stone has surprised me again. He's not as mannerist as he was in Savages, and he's not firing as sharply and intensely as he used to, but I still can't imagine anyone else who could make a film about Snowden this honestly and effectively. The fusion of documentary and narrative elements works perfectly, the pace is absolutely unwavering thanks to a barrage of clever dialogues and balanced flashbacks, and the actors are all perfect, with Shailene Woodley in particular keeping the less convincing personal storyline admirably afloat. Sarcastic humour and the character of Nicolas Cage ideally relieve the oppressive atmosphere of "Big Brother", which Stone manages to evoke in some moments thanks to his precise work with camera filters and framing (excellent sex scene). The great impression of attractive filmmaking is terribly marred by the pathetic ending, which perhaps Stone must have entrusted to his sixth assistant director and debut screenwriter, otherwise I can't imagine the sudden spasm… (06.12.2016)

In the end, I didn't mind too much that Oliver Stone glorifies his hero quite unreservedly and once again (yet like almost always) makes a sharp rebuke of a malevolent American administration. In fact, the film stands on pretty solid ground and, given Stone's usual tendentiousness, is moderate within reason. Yes, it's much more of a political statement than a "real person's story," but you simply can't teach old Oliver new tricks. It's worth mentioning, though, that cinematically it's once again an extravaganza, and I'm still very much enjoying that engaging visual style of Stone's. Incredible work with camera filters. A nice 4 stars. (21.02.2020)

"I think I'm free because I don't have to worry about tomorrow. I'm happy with what I've done today." - When watching Snowden, anyone with a modicum of judgment has to realize what a fucked up world we live in. Oliver Stone handled the highly publicized scandals with dignity. His film is quite a clear and in many ways disturbing statement about the state of contemporary society. (85%) (16.10.2021)