Snowden

Snowden

Year: 2016

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

Director: Oliver Stone

ActionBiographyDramaThriller

Disillusioned by the National Security Agency's vast digital surveillance programs, Edward Snowden makes the courageous decision to expose the truth to the world. Leaving behind his high-secret role, he leaks classified information, sparking a global debate about privacy, security, and government overreach. His actions earn him both widespread support and intense criticism, forever changing the landscape of intelligence gathering and civil liberties.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Snowden (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Snowden (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2004-2013

The story unfolds over a crucial decade marked by rising digital surveillance and breaches of privacy by government agencies. This period saw significant advancements in technology, which were often used to compromise civil liberties. Snowden's journey highlights pivotal events in U.S. intelligence, defining how personal data can be exploited in the name of national security.

Location

Hong Kong, Geneva, Japan, Maryland, Oahu, Moscow

Hong Kong serves as the critical meeting point for Edward Snowden and key figures in the revelation of NSA's surveillance practices. Geneva is where Snowden embarks on his first foreign assignment, illustrating his deeper involvement in electronic surveillance. Japan is significant for Snowden's work with the NSA, while Maryland represents a personal retreat and connection with his relationship amidst political challenges. Oahu provides a backdrop for discussions related to counter-hacking operations.

🏙️ City 🌍 International 🇯🇵 Japan 🌴 Island 🇨🇳 China

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:14

Main Characters – Snowden (2016)

Meet the key characters of Snowden (2016), 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 (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Edward Snowden is a former NSA contractor who becomes disillusioned with the organization’s practices. His journey from an ambitious recruit to a whistleblower highlights his moral courage and conviction to reveal the truth about mass surveillance. Despite his complex feelings about loyalty and betrayal, Snowden's commitment to justice remains steadfast.

🎖️ Patriotism 🔍 Whistleblower 💔 Love

Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley)

Lindsay Mills is Snowden’s girlfriend, who supports him throughout his tumultuous journey. Her character embodies the emotional and personal sacrifices made in the name of love, showcasing the strain that political and ethical dilemmas can impose on relationships. She represents a grounding force in Snowden’s life as he navigates challenging moral pathways.

❤️ Love 💼 Support 🎭 Conflict

Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto)

Glenn Greenwald is a journalist instrumental in helping Snowden reveal sensitive information about government surveillance. His role underscores the vital importance of investigative journalism in protecting civil liberties. Greenwald's character is portrayed as both driven and committed to uncovering the truth, working alongside Snowden to challenge authorities.

📰 Journalism 🚨 Activism 🔍 Truth-seeker

Laura Poitras (Melissa Leo)

As a documentary filmmaker, Laura Poitras is pivotal in capturing Snowden's story and the global implications of his revelations. Her dedication to exposing governmental overreach showcases the intersection of art and activism. Poitras' character is depicted as fearless and determined, providing a voice to those silenced by powerful entities.

🎥 Documentary 📣 Activism 🔍 Awareness

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:14

Major Themes – Snowden (2016)

Explore the central themes of Snowden (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Surveillance

The theme of surveillance is central to Snowden's narrative, illustrating how technology can infringe upon personal freedoms. The film questions the moral implications of mass data collection by government entities and the ethical obligations of those who participate in such systems. Snowden’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the risks posed by unchecked surveillance.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme in 'Snowden,' as characters grapple with their loyalty to their country versus their personal morals. Snowden's experience at the NSA reveals the betrayal of trust between the government and its citizens, raising questions about privacy and integrity. The strain between Snowden and Mills further emphasizes personal relationships affected by political disillusionment.

⚖️ Justice

The pursuit of justice drives Snowden to expose the government’s secret operations, symbolizing the fight for transparency. His battle highlights the importance of whistleblowers in a democratic society and the moral dilemmas they face. The film underscores the concept of standing up against injustice, even at great personal risk.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:14

Unlock the Full Story of Snowden

Don't stop at just watching — explore Snowden 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 Snowden is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Snowden Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Snowden, 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.

Snowden Summary

Snowden Timeline

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

Snowden Timeline

More About Snowden

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Snowden: 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 Snowden

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