Oliver Stone’s films often stir controversy, whether through conspiracy themes in JFK, critiques of media in Natural Born Killers, or his close relationships with leaders like Vladimir Putin and Hugo Chavez. His bold approach makes him well-suited to tell Edward Snowden’s story in Snowden, marking its tenth anniversary this month.
Snowden, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is the former NSA contractor who revealed extensive government surveillance, leading to accusations of treason and his current status in Russia after losing his passport.
The film, adapted by Stone and Kieran Fitzgerald from various sources, faced challenges during production. Stone described the experience as “really a horrible experience in every way,” compounded by personal loss, including his mother’s death during filming, which he couldn’t attend.