Cast
View AllJulian Assange
as Self - Founder, WikiLeaks (archive footage)
Chelsea Manning
as Self - WikiLeaks Source (archive footage)
Heather Brooke
as Self - Journalist
Alex Gibney
as Narrator (voice)
Robert Manne
as Self - Professor, La Trobe University, Melbourne
John 'Fuzface' McMahon
as Self - NASA Network Administrator
Michael Hayden
as Self - Former NSA and CIA Director
J. William Leonard
as Self - U.S. Government Classification Czar
Daniel Domscheit-Berg
as Self - Former WikiLeaks Spokesperson
Smári McCarthy
as Self - Icelandic Digital Freedom Society
Birgitta Jónsdóttir
as Self - Icelandic Parliamentarian
Adrian Lamo
as Self - Hacker
Timothy Douglas Webster
as Self - Former Army Counterintelligence Agent
Jason Edwards
as Self - Friend of Bradley Manning
Jihrleah Showman
as Self - Bradley Manning's Supervisor
Crew
Director
- Alex Gibney
Writer
- Alex Gibney
Producer
- Marc Shmuger
- Alexis Bloom
- Alex Gibney
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alex Gibney brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 186 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2151 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: May 24, 2013
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Revenue: $602,042