Citizenfour

Citizenfour is a thrilling documentary from 2014 directed by the internationally acclaimed Oscar winner Laura Poitras. Showcasing a unique blend of real-time footage and interview-based narrative, this movie casts a spotlight on the contentious subject of global surveillance, implicating viewers in an intricate web of global espionage and intelligence gathering.

The film's primary focus is Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who leaked classified information to the media in 2013. Snowden exposed the depth and breadth of the U.S. government's global surveillance programs, sparking a global conversation about privacy and government transparency.

Citizenfour documents the culmination of a series of encrypted emails exchanged between Snowden (then known by the eponymous pseudonym "Citizen Four") and Poitras, which inevitably led to a meeting in a Hong Kong hotel room, culminating in one of the most significant blows to the NSA and its covert operations.

Joining Edward Snowden as key figures in the documentary are Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill, both reputable investigative journalists, and William Binney, a former NSA intelligence official turned whistle-blower. Greenwald, in particular, plays an essential role, having been one of the first journalists Snowden trusted with the classified information.

In captivating detail, Citizenfour shows the high-risk decision-making process, the strategic planning, and emotionally charged moments as Edward Snowden decides to expose the truth to the world. Viewers find themselves in the thick of these clandestine meetings, experiencing the tension and urgency that undeniably permeates the air.

As Snowden reveals more about the true extent of the surveillance state, the real paranoia-inducing aspect of the film unravels: The audience comes face to face with the reality that such surveillance is not an abstract idea, but a pervasive, worldwide, and invasive practice that affects everyone with a digital footprint. It’s this stark revelation that lends the film its edge-of-the-seat intensity and shocking intrigue.

Although Citizenfour is rooted in moments of intense secrecy and suspense, it also humanizes Edward Snowden, illustrating not just the figurehead of a global controversy, but also the ordinary man behind it. Throughout the film, there are intimate pieces of Snowden's life etched into the narrative, simultaneously drawing audiences further into Snowden's journey while maintaining an undercurrent of the ominosity of the broader issue.

William Binney, another illustrious figure in the field, complements Snowden's narrative with his own experiences within and outside of the NSA. Binney provides an independent yet eerily similar storyline that underscores the systemic issues within NSA and adds further credibility to Snowden's claims.

One of the film's strengths lies in its realistic portrayal that maintains a suspenseful atmosphere without resorting to sensationalism. Poitras’ direction astutely builds a growing sense of anticipation and intrigue through conventional tools of documentary filmmaking: the sustained use of in-the-moment footage, thoughtful interviews, and well-placed news excerpts.

Surveillance is at the heart of Citizenfour, and the film uses it not just as a subject but also as an ongoing theme throughout its narrative. Poitras uses surveillance-like footage to depict scenes within the movie, laying bare the constant feeling of being watched, echoing the reality for many in the digital age.

Citizenfour also subtly explores the courageous act of whistleblowing and underlines its inherent risks and considerable personal sacrifices. Through the experiences of Snowden and Binney, it emphasizes the profound dilemmas facing those who dare to stand against the tide to reveal uncomfortable truths, even in the face of severe personal and professional consequences.

Additionally, the movie raises questions about privacy, security, media freedom, and the future of democracy, challenging viewers to reflect on their understanding and acceptance of government surveillance.

Citizenfour succeeds in presenting a many-layered, riveting story innately connected to its global audience. It is compelling, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant — a critical insight into the workings of surveillance and a testament to those who risk everything to expose the truth. A must-watch for anyone engaged in the modern discourse of privacy rights and governmental transparency, Citizenfour will leave you on the edge of your seat, long after the credits roll.