Blake Laurita
Staff Writer
Based on a true story, “Snowden” follows the complex life of arguably the world’s most famous whistleblower, Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and makes audiences wonder whether he is a hero or a traitor.
“Snowden” delivers with strong, dynamic character development and a powerful lead performed by Gordon-Levitt. However, the film is plagued by a rather one sided take on the story and a forgettable soundtrack.
The movie follows Edward Snowden, a highly intelligent, self-taught expert at computer coding. While on discharge from the military he starts dating a girl named Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley), who he met on an online dating website. After being discharged from the army for medical reasons he is hired at the CIA. He quickly moves up the rankings, gaining more and more classified information, but he soon becomes conflicted as he realizes the immoral surveillance techniques used by the American government.
The film’s strongest aspect was its performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Gordon-Levitt delivers a brilliant performance and maintains perfectly sound impression of Snowden throughout the movie. His performance saves the film’s somewhat lackluster plot and ties it together with his screen presence. The award winning performance given by Gordon-Levitt brings the movie together, giving the film a dynamic and complex protagonist.
Joseph Gordon Levitt’s portrayal of Edward Snowden is made even more realistic because the film is based on a true story. This aspect helps the audience create deeper connections with the actors on screen and add more realism to the movie as a whole. It also makes the dramatic effects that Snowden has had on the government and American society, in the film more believable.
Aside from the casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the film does include a great cast of supporting characters that do a fantastic job of adding to the film’s value. Characters like Frank Forrester (Nicholas Cage), Snowden’s mentor and teacher at the CIA and journalist Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto) who played a vital role in getting the information Snowden leaked into print. Both play their roles convincingly, demonstrating believable relationships with Snowden.
Although the real-life plot might sound interesting, it lacks any real action to hook the audience in. However, the plot is complimented nicely when the movie branches off into Snowden’s personal life, which was a welcome addition to the film.
Although the film’s premise is primarily about exposing the NSA’s somewhat corrupt surveillance of American citizens, it also focuses on Snowden’s personal life, including his realistic relationship with Lindsay. This was a weaker point as the film did a poor job of developing and sustaining the characters relationship throughout the movie, despite impeccable acting for each role.
View other critic’s reviews on Snowden at Rotten Tomatoes.
Another weak point of the movie is its soundtrack. The songs that should’ve set the mood, were forgettable and basically obsolete. The underwhelming soundtrack found in “Snowden” didn’t emphasize the film’s important moments nor did it add value to the film.
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“Snowden” is controversial film with a unique story and great performances, but succumbs to a plot that plays it too safe. Overall, the film’s incredible portrayal of Edward Snowden and its award winning cast come together to overcome the movie’s minor issues.
“Snowden” was released Sept. 16, is rated R, and is playing in theaters across the nation.
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