Enemy of the State (1998)

Director: Tony Scott

Starring: Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet

A lawyer becomes targeted by a corrupt politician and his N.S.A. goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a politically motivated crime.

The film starts with Congressman Phillip Hammersley being murdered by National Security official Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight), with the help of two other officials. They soon discover a wildlife photographer had a motion capture video camera set up in a box across the lake from where the murder took place. This sets in motion a string of events that makes for a thrilling action adventure crime thriller.

Will Smith stars as lawyer Robert Clayton Dean, who innocently becomes Reynolds’ target, making his life a living nightmare. To complicate matters, Robert’s ex-girlfriend Rachel (Lisa Bonet) gets drawn into the drama. She is the go-between between Robert and an informant, who gives Robert business. This set-up, however, blows out of proportion when Reynolds starts delving into Robert’s past, and has a ripple effect on everyone in Robert’s life.

The film is fast-paced, with good action sequences, and a clever script. Will Smith delivers a great performance. Gene Hackman stars as his informant, Edward Lyle/Brill. His methods were a bit extreme and I didn’t always understand this character. Nevertheless, ‘Enemy of the State’ is an excellent production and incredible film. The film also features an effective score by Trevor Rabin.

I don’t always enjoy political thrillers but this was awesome.

‘Enemy of the State’ earned $250 million on a $90 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes.