In 2013, Edward Snowden, a computer expert working for the NSA, shocked the world when he released thousands of classified documents to the press and public. Three years later, this event and the aftermath is being told in director Oliver Stone's Snowden. The first two trailers gave a good overview of the movie's plot, but the latest trailer definitely has more of an espionage feel to it, showing just how creepy computer tracking is (not that any of us weren't already aware of that).
While the first Snowden trailer began with showing viewers what led to Edward Snowden (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) leaving the military, this new preview from Comic-Con (courtesy of IMDB) kicks off in the middle of the action. Meeting with journalists Laura Poitras (played by Melissa Leo), Glenn Greenwald (played by Zachary Quinto) and Ewen MacAskill (played by Tom Wilkinson), the eponymous protagonist gives background on himself while also taking precautionary measures (putting their cell phones in the microwave to block UFH frequencies) and warning them that the government will come after them after speaking with him.
From there, we get a quick taste of what Edward Snowden's life was like before he leaked the information, including his relationship with his girlfriend Lindsay Mills (played by Shailene Woodley). However, once he learns how much the U.S. government is surveilling its citizens via their computers, smartphones and other assorted gadgets, he realizes that he needs to take action. He subsequently downloads the necessary information, hides it in a Rubiks Cube and delivers it to the right people. Of course, such action is frowned upon by his superiors (including Rhys Ifan's character), and Edward Snowden is soon wanted for espionage.
As anyone who's been paying attention to current events knows, the real Edward Snowden has been stuck in Russia for years, but he still continues to offer his own take on U.S. events via social media, teleconferences and the occasional interview. However, thanks to Oliver Stone, his story is now being told in full dramatic fashion on the big screen. The movie was originally supposed to be released last Christmas, but after several delays, it's only two months away. The main reason for this move was so it would have a good shot at getting plenty of award nominations. Still, as this trailer and its predecessor proved, Snowden is going to have plenty of thrills and shocks to keep audiences entranced. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Nicolas Cage is in the movie?!
Snowden hits theaters on September 21, but a select few at San Diego Comic-Con will get to see a big "secret" screening of the movie later tonight.
