Snowden (2016)

My Review

Oliver Stone has come out with another one of his political biopics called “Snowden.” The director of such controversial films as “JFK” (1991) and “Nixon” (1995) this time has taken on the story of computer expert Edward Snowden, who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency to the British newspaper The Guardian in 2013.

Crisp direction by Stone and a slick screenplay by Stone and Kieran Fitzgerald gives “Snowden” the feel of an engrossing espionage thriller. The 134 minute running time moves rapidly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered a good performance in the title role. He even wore the same glasses as Snowden, who appeared as himself at the end of the feature. Co-stars include Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Scott Eastwood, Nicholas Cage, Joely Richardson, Robert Firth, Timothy Olyphant, LaKeith Lee Stanfield, and Rhys Ifans.

“Snowden” was a box office bomb for Endgame Entertainment, KrautPack Entertainment, Vendian Entertainment, and Open Road Films. It was filmed mostly in Munich, Germany, with some scenes shot in Washington, D. C., Hawaii, and Hong Kong. “Snowden” had one nomination for a Golden Raspberry Award, for Worst Supporting Actor (Nicholas Cage).