Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 9 Episode 24 Joseph Gordon-Levitt On How His Meeting With the Real Edward Snowden Went Down

In the 24th episode of season 9 of Popcorn with Peter Travers, Joseph Gordon-Levitt sits down to talk about his experience playing Edward Snowden in Oliver Stone's biopic "Snowden." The discussion delves into Gordon-Levitt's preparation for the role and his meeting with the real Edward Snowden.

Gordon-Levitt reveals that he had the opportunity to meet Snowden in Moscow, where he is currently seeking asylum. The actor describes the experience as "surreal," but also notes that it was important for him to have that interaction in order to understand the complexity of the situation and the character he was portraying.

Throughout the interview, Gordon-Levitt emphasizes the importance of context and nuance in discussing issues related to government surveillance and national security. He explains that his intention was not to vilify or glorify Snowden, but rather to portray him as a human being who made a difficult decision based on his beliefs about the importance of privacy and free speech.

Travers and Gordon-Levitt also discuss the film's reception and the controversy surrounding Snowden's actions. Gordon-Levitt acknowledges that there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue, but believes that the film provides a valuable opportunity for dialogue and reflection.

Overall, this episode offers a fascinating look at the process of bringing a real-life figure to the screen and the challenges of navigating complex political and ethical issues. Gordon-Levitt's thoughtful perspective on the role of art in shaping public discourse is sure to provoke further discussion and reflection.