‘Snowden’ hits Philippine theaters on Wednesday, September 28. This movie directed by Oliver Stone, controversial in itself since it is based on true events, is about Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), now an infamous NSA whistle blower who leaked details of global surveillance programs to the media. Snowden received a residence permit to live in Russia for three years. He is looking at 30 years in prison for espionage and theft of government property in the US.
Here’s what Joseph Gordon-Levitt says to fans about his role as Edward Snowden
A fan asked what Joseph Gordon-Levitt had in common with Edward Snowden, he said: “We were brought up differently…but we share thesame belief.”
WATCH: Joseph Gordon-Levitt answer through Twitter beta video Q&A app
A few days ago on Reddit , Joseph Gordon-Levitt advised fans over Facebook through a photo, that he will be answering questions from fans during a session called AMA or Ask Me Anything. Here are some of the interesting things we found out. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is known on Reddit as ‘hitrecordjoe.’
Q1(Petrol in my eyes): What would you say was the most challenging part about playing Mr. Snowden? Did you face any backlash from people who think he’s a traitor and shouldn’t be
glorified? (I don’t believe he’s a traitor, but I know there are people who do
think so)
A1(hitrecordjoe): There were definitely folks in my professional life who voiced concern over me playing such a polarizing person. They warned me that it could harm the commercial viability of my career, etc, etc. But I’m lucky. I was on a
successful TV show when I was young, and so I never really had to make my
creative decisions based on money.
Q2(attie42): For those who couldn’t attend the Snowden Live event last night. You had mentioned that you met Ed’s parents can you tell us what that was like?
A2(hitrecordjoe):They came to the movie’s premiere in NYC night before last. It was the first time I had met them…They’re proud of their son for what he did, and they miss him, because he can’t come home. I remember the words his mom said, “you really captured him.” And she pointed out
some little details from the movie that reminded her of him. And his dad made a
point to look me in the eye and say thank you. It was really one of the more
meaningful moments in my life as an actor.
Q3(LookattheWhipp): How did you prepare for the role of snowden? What perspective on the government
and NSA did you have and did filming this movie change your perspective?
A3(hitrecordjoe): I was raised by parents who often asked questions about whether the government was doing the right thing. My dad was a journalist who reported on Watergate and the Pentagon Papers. My mom ran for congress under the Peace & Freedom Party. And my grandfather was blacklisted in the McCarthy era.I don’t think it’s unpatriotic to ask questions about whether the American government is doing the right thing. In fact, I think it’s patriotic. It’s part of what makes the USA a great country, part of why I’m proud to be from here:
we have the right to ask those questions. There’s a lot of people who live under governments that don’t give them that right.I know it feels like our democracy is becoming less and less democratic. In many ways, I agree with that sentiment. But we still do have the right to have these conversations, and I like to remain optimistic that we still can make improvements.
Q4 (Yawehg):Oliver Stone has been frank about wanting this movie to change public perception of Snowden, did you have that goal too?Do you think it’ll work?
A3(hitrecordjoe):Usually, when someone has a strong opinion, they don’t change their mind. For
better or worse, that just seems to be human nature. But I remember when Oliver first offered me this job, I really barely knew who Edward Snowden was. I knew I had heard the name, but I didn’t really know any specifics. I guess I hope this movie appeals to people who just haven’t taken the time to look too deeply into it.
A few number also have expressed their ideas about the film on Twitter, here are some of them:
Feel like watching the movie now? ‘Snowden’ hits Philippine theaters tomorrow! Be sure to catch it!
WATCH: ‘Snowden’ trailer via verified OpenRoad Films YouTube Channel