CitizenFour is a documentary, which premiered at the New York Film Festival in October of 2014. The documentary follows Edward Snowden and his attempt to release crucial information about the United State’s overreaching NSA organization. The film also speaks with Glenn Greenwald, who practically soared to fame overnight thanks to Snowden’s leaks. A few others NSA leakers are also interviewed and give speeches throughout the documentary.

 

The film has received majorly favorable reviews and it is easy to see why. Regardless of your stand on the NSA’s spying program, Citizenfour presents the information for a completely different angle, which has never been seen before. The documentary takes us into the eyes of Snowden and his entrapment, mind and ideology. With this documentary, you gain a little insight into Snowden’s mentality and mindset, during the release of the NSA information. It is difficult not to admire his ambition and intent, which seems to be good.

 

The film and Edward Snowden’s leaks definitely spark many questions, although many only confirm exactly what everyone has suspected for many years. With many whistler blowers running free and even making television appearances, it is strange that Snowden and Bradley/Chelsea Manning are criminalized for intentions. How are their leaks any different from others? They’ve amounted to very little, aside from debates. Very little has changed for the US Government, which continues to violated the world’s privacy.

 

As scary and creepy as the NSA is, it could be a good thing, if it was used for good, but it obviously isn’t. No warrants are obtained and no worthwhile arrests are ever made. If the NSA was worth a dang, there would be no child molesters, murders would be caught quickly and child porn would be cracked down on severely. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way.

 

The US government is paranoid, because it has done so many terrible things. Those who do bad things ultimately feel others will do bad things. The NSA is the US government’s attempt to try and prevent these bad things from falling on their shoulders. As Presidential Candidate Rand Paul puts it, ISIS is all over Libya because of the GOP and Hillary Clinton. Actions have consequences and the NSA is a paranoid attempt to put a halt to those potential consequences.

 

With the fear mongering of the main stream media in America, it is easy to see why so many people support the NSA. Still, there is no denying that the programs greatly demolish the 4th Amendment. As Thomas Jefferson said, “History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.” Where and how far has America already gone? Either way, the documentary is a great look at Edward Snowden and his courageous move to wake up the American people. Unfortunately, very little has changed.

 

The documentary deserves an 8 out of 10.