Review of Snowden (2016) by Thequietgamer — 17 Mar 2017

A compelling topic based on true events, there's perhaps a bit too much fat around the edges for it to be a total knock out of the park. Yet, the performances are satisfying and the insights shocking enough to make for an entertaining biographical political drama/thriller. It just that it's tendency to dive to deep into Snowden's personal struggles leads to mixed results.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt's once again gives another fantastic performance, even if his choice in voice is questionable. It's him that keeps you going even when things slow down to focus on the rather tedious to watch relationship drama. The movie also feels overstuffed with side-characters that stick around just long enough to clue Snowden in on some new shady information and then disappear for the rest of the movie. It makes sense for Snowden to lose track of these people over the course of his life and even for the movie to send them packing after they've served their purpose in the plot, but it's still disappointing to see them go as they are usually among the film's more interesting characters and are played by great actors. The likes of Timothy Olyphant and Nicolas Cage are here and gone in an instant, but who sticks around? Snowden's annoying freaking girlfriend. At least she's portrayed by Shailene Woodley who gives a very good performance despite not being given anything interesting to do. The little side excursions into Snowden's personal troubles don't due much to further the plot and at times give the movie a plodding feel. However, they are a necessary evil as they do a lot to humanize Snowden. Something I feel was one of Oliver Stone's big directions here.

A good concept and great cast help make up for some shortcomings in the pace and writing. At the end of the day it's still an interesting story, even if it probably could have been told better. If the topic interests you or you are just in the mood for some political drama, Snowden may be for you.

7.