Snowden

"Die meisten Amerikaner wollen nicht Freiheit, sie wollen Sicherheit.“ Ein überraschend lebendiger und unterhaltsamer Stone mit einem guten Drehbuch. Gordon-Levitt ist als charaktervolles IT-Supertalent glaubhaft und sympathisch, die restliche Besetzung angenehm (Woodley als seine Freundin, Ifans als CIA-Chef und dazu die Journalisten Quinto und Wilkinson). Die Auffassung des kontroversen Themas mit Spannung und gleichzeitig entspannt (die Figur von Nicolas Cage) ist regiemäßig ausgewogen. Das pathetische Kitzeln am Ende kann man ertragen. Der Film weiß, was er sagen möchte und er macht es mit Herz, was das Wichtigste ist. [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 ist vergeblich auf der Suche nach der längst verlorenen Relevanz eines Kommentators. Snowdens große Devise besteht darin, dass dieser Film im Gegensatz zu seinen neuesten keinen nervigen Manieristen-Ton aufsetzt und ein flottes Tempo hat. Oliver hat sogar den größten lebenden Gordon-Levitt-Imitator dazu gebracht zu schauspielern, und das ist eine beachtliche Leistung. Doch leider ist die Aussagekraft an sich inhaltlich gesehen im Vergleich damit, was der oscargekrönte Dokumentarfil Citizenfour im Angebot hatte, eher eine übersichtliche Einleitung ins Thema, womit Stones bekannte kritisch-patriotische Haltung gegenüber der gegenwärtigen US-Demokratie unterstreicht. Es fehlt hier an etwas Provokativem, an etwas, was sich bei mit in die Netzhaut hineinbrennen würde. Die zahme persönliche Ebene kann da nicht als Ersatz dienen. Snowden fließt angenehm daher, wobei gegen Ende die Mundwinkel bei unbeholfenem Pathos eben etwas zucken. Kein Fehltritt, Subversives jedoch auch nicht ... [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)