Gordon-Levitt learnt a lot while researching for Snowden

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays whistleblower Edward Snowden in new film, says making the movie has given him a new insight into issues of security and privacy.
Oliver Stone's new film "Snowden" has been getting rave reviews at the Toronto Film Festival, reported ABC News.
"It's not only the government, there are companies collecting information as well. But look, I'm a real optimist, and I tend to see the internet as something that has had, and will continue to have, enormous positive impact on all of our lives," Gordon-Levitt, 35, said.
"Before working on this Snowden project I never really stopped to think about any potential downsides, and the truth is every technology, especially a powerful technology, always can be used for good or for bad."

Thinking back to the beginning of the project, Gordon-Levitt said his first impression was simply awe at getting to work with Stone.
"When I first got the job offer, I was just excited to get a job offer from Oliver Stone. I'm a fan of his! But I really didn't know very much about Edward Snowden. I had heard his name, but when I asked myself, 'What exactly did he do and why did he do it,' I realised I had a lot of learning to do."
As he read a variety of articles about Snowden, Gordon-Levitt realised that he had to make a decision about how he was going to play him, either as a truth-teller or a traitor.

"It's about trying to analyse your source. This person's saying that what he did was a service to the country. This person is saying that what he did is harmful to the country. Who are these different people? Where are they coming from? What is their incentive? Who do they work for? Who pays them?" Gordon-Levitt said.