Citizenfour

Citizenfour

Year: 2014

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Laura Poitras

Documentary

Filmmaker Laura Poitras received an urgent message from a mysterious source, "Citizenfour," leading her to Hong Kong to investigate unsettling claims about national security. There, she joined journalist Glenn Greenwald to meet Edward Snowden, who possessed classified documents exposing the extent of NSA surveillance. The encounter ignited a tense and revealing series of events as they worked to understand and release Snowden's explosive whistleblowing revelations to the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Citizenfour yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Citizenfour (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Citizenfour (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

January 2013 - August 2013

The film unfolds during a tense period marked by revelations of mass surveillance post-9/11. In early 2013, the world experiences a growing awareness of government privacy infringements, culminating in Edward Snowden's disclosures. This pivotal moment in history shapes global conversations around privacy rights, civil liberties, and the ethics of surveillance in an increasingly interconnected world.

Location

Hong Kong, Berlin, Russia, Moscow, Sheremetyevo International Airport

The movie primarily takes place in Hong Kong, a vibrant city known for its skyline and deep-rooted history as a global financial hub. Here, a clandestine meeting unfolds in a hotel room where crucial information about government surveillance is shared. The narrative also extends to Berlin and Moscow, both significant locations in the context of asylum and political refuge, highlighting the interplay between safety and political unrest.

🏙️ City 🌍 Global 🏨 Hotel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Main Characters – Citizenfour (2014)

Meet the key characters of Citizenfour (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Edward Snowden

A former NSA contractor turned whistleblower, Edward Snowden risks everything to expose the truth about illegal government surveillance programs. Deeply aware of the consequences, he is portrayed as both a sympathetic character and a fraught political agent navigating the complexities of being in the public eye. His determination to inform the world reflects his profound commitment to civil liberties.

💼 Whistleblower 🕵️‍♂️ Activist 📜 Informant

Glenn Greenwald

A prominent journalist who plays a pivotal role in disseminating Snowden's revelations, Glenn Greenwald is characterized by his strong advocacy for transparency and civil liberties. He serves as a conduit for vital information, fearlessly confronting government and media narratives. His interactions illustrate his courage and commitment to ethical journalism.

📰 Journalist 💬 Activist 🎤 Speaker

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Major Themes – Citizenfour (2014)

Explore the central themes of Citizenfour (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Surveillance

The documentary delves deeply into the theme of surveillance, exploring the balance between national security and individual privacy rights. It raises profound questions about the extent to which governments monitor their citizens and the implications of such scrutiny on democracy and freedom. Through Snowden's revelations, the film confronts the viewer with the stark realities of living under constant watch.

🕵️‍♂️ Whistleblowing

Citizenfour presents whistleblowing as a courageous act of defiance against systemic corruption and abuse of power. Snowden’s journey highlights the moral dilemmas faced by individuals who choose to expose wrongdoing despite the personal risks involved. This theme underlines the importance of transparency and accountability within powerful institutions.

⚖️ Justice

The quest for justice permeates the film as Snowden seeks asylum to escape persecution for his revelations. The narrative examines the implications of standing up against an unjust system and the legal battles ensuing from his actions. It sheds light on the complicated relationships between personal safety, legal rights, and the pursuit of accountability in government practices.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of Citizenfour

Don't stop at just watching — explore Citizenfour in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Citizenfour is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Citizenfour Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Citizenfour, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Citizenfour Summary

Citizenfour Timeline

Track the full timeline of Citizenfour with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Citizenfour Timeline

More About Citizenfour

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Citizenfour: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Citizenfour

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