Oliver Stone Talks Snowden, Why He Initially Didn't Want To Make Film, and Why Studios Passed On It
- Details
- Category: Interviews
- Created: Tuesday, 06 September 2016 23:35
- Published: Wednesday, 07 September 2016 08:19
- Written by Lupe R Haas
SNOWDEN director Oliver Stone reveals no Hollywood studio wanted to make the movie about controversial NSA leaker Edward Snowden. He initially didn't want to take on the polarizing figure since he knew he would encounter issues. He discusses his decision to go ahead with the movie and why it's important to be critical of our society. Listen below.
In preparing to make SNOWDEN, Oliver Stone traveled to visit Edward Snowden in Russia on several occasions. The controversial director sought out the exiled, former NSA employee in order to get the real story behind the largest leak ever in the United States. Stone says Snowden had a say in the movie and approved of the last cut.
CineMovie asked the director if he was worried about being on any government watch list for his numerous visits with Snowden in Russia which usually would set off a few alarms. In the interview below, Stone (PLATOON, JFK, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY) says he wouldn't know anything about that but, does know the movie studios are frightened of the government. He states the United States has reached "McCarthy-like level" in which movie studios self-censor themselves in fear of retaliation, which may explain why the studios passed on making SNOWDEN. It is of his opinion that movies tend to glorify America unlike his movies. He called out Ben Affleck's ARGO as one of those films.
The way things are going in this country, Stone believes this culture is headed into the "garbage can."
SNOWDEN opens September 16.
He also reveals "so-called" American actors turned down roles in SNOWDEN.