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ActionDramaThriller

Enemy of the State

- It's not paranoia if they're really after you.

The life of labor lawyer and dedicated family man Robert Clayton Dean is turned upside down after a chance meeting with a college buddy while holiday shopping. Unbeknownst to Dean, he's just been burdened with a videotape of a congressman's assassination. Hot on the trail of this tape is a ruthless group of National Security Agents commanded by a belligerently ambitious NSA official named Reynolds. Using satellite surveillance, bugs, and other sophisticated snooping devices, the NSA infiltrates every facet of Dean's existence, tracing each physical and digital footprint he leaves while also framing him for murder. With the help of the mysterious Brill, he attempts to throw the NSA off his trail and prove his innocence.

Release Date : 1998-11-20

Language :English

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Touchstone PicturesJerry Bruckheimer FilmsScott Free Productions

Production Country : United KingdomUnited States of America

Alternative Titles : Enemigo Publico

Cast

Will Smith

Character Name : Robert Clayton Dean

Original Name : Will Smith

Gender : Male

Gene Hackman

Character Name : Brill

Original Name : Gene Hackman

Gender : Male

Jon Voight

Character Name : Reynolds

Original Name : Jon Voight

Gender : Male

Regina King

Character Name : Carla Dean

Original Name : Regina King

Gender : Female

Loren Dean

Character Name : Hicks

Original Name : Loren Dean

Gender : Male

Jake Busey

Character Name : Krug

Original Name : Jake Busey

Gender : Male

Barry Pepper

Character Name : Pratt

Original Name : Barry Pepper

Gender : Male

Jason Lee

Character Name : Daniel Zavitz

Original Name : Jason Lee

Gender : Male

Gabriel Byrne

Character Name : 'Brill'

Original Name : Gabriel Byrne

Gender : Male

Lisa Bonet

Character Name : Rachel Banks

Original Name : Lisa Bonet

Gender : Female

Stuart Wilson

Character Name : Congressman Albert

Original Name : Stuart Wilson

Gender : Male

Laura Cayouette

Character Name : Christa Hawkins

Original Name : Laura Cayouette

Gender : Female

Ian Hart

Character Name : Bingham

Original Name : Ian Hart

Gender : Male

Scott Caan

Character Name : Jones

Original Name : Scott Caan

Gender : Male

James Le Gros

Character Name : Jerry Miller

Original Name : James Le Gros

Gender : Male

Dan Butler

Character Name : Shaffer

Original Name : Dan Butler

Gender : Male

Jack Black

Character Name : Fiedler

Original Name : Jack Black

Gender : Male

Jamie Kennedy

Character Name : Jamie

Original Name : Jamie Kennedy

Gender : Male

Bodhi Elfman

Character Name : Van

Original Name : Bodhi Elfman

Gender : Male

Jacob Chambers

Character Name : Davis

Original Name : Jacob Chambers

Gender : Male

Alexandra Balahoutis

Character Name : Martha

Original Name : Alexandra Balahoutis

Gender : Female

Anna Gunn

Character Name : Emily Reynolds

Original Name : Anna Gunn

Gender : Female

Jascha Washington

Character Name : Eric Dean

Original Name : Jascha Washington

Gender : Male

Rebeca Silva

Character Name : Marie the Nanny

Original Name : Rebeca Silva

Gender : Female

Bobby Boriello

Character Name : Dylan

Original Name : Bobby Boriello

Gender : Male

Carl Mergenthaler

Character Name : Mike (Law Firm)

Original Name : Carl Mergenthaler

Gender : Male

Mattias Kraemer

Character Name : Gas Station Cashier

Original Name : Mattias Kraemer

Gender : Male

Lillo Brancato

Character Name : Young Worker

Original Name : Lillo Brancato

Gender : Male

John Capodice

Character Name : Older Worker #1

Original Name : John Capodice

Gender : Male

Vic Manni

Character Name : Vic (Old Mobster)

Original Name : Vic Manni

Gender : Male

T.R. Richards

Character Name : Cook

Original Name : T.R. Richards

Gender : Male

Ivana Miličević

Character Name : Ruby's Sales Clerk

Original Name : Ivana Miličević

Gender : Female

Patsy Grady Abrams

Character Name : Accident Bystander

Original Name : Patsy Grady Abrams

Gender : Female

Beatriz Mayoral

Character Name : Reynold's Nanny

Original Name : Beatriz Mayoral

Gender : Male

Kasey Lynn Quinn

Character Name : Reynold's Daughter

Original Name : Kasey Lynn Quinn

Gender : Male

Elizabeth Berman

Character Name : Ruthie

Original Name : Elizabeth Berman

Gender : Male

Donna W. Scott

Character Name : Jenny

Original Name : Donna W. Scott

Gender : Female

Allison Sie

Character Name : Hotel Desk Clerk

Original Name : Allison Sie

Gender : Male

Michael Andolini

Character Name : Sal

Original Name : Michael Andolini

Gender : Male

Arthur J. Nascarella

Character Name : Frankie

Original Name : Arthur J. Nascarella

Gender : Male

Grant Heslov

Character Name : Lenny

Original Name : Grant Heslov

Gender : Male

John Cenatiempo

Character Name : Young Mobster #1

Original Name : John Cenatiempo

Gender : Male

Joyce Flick Wendl

Character Name : Waitress

Original Name : Joyce Flick Wendl

Gender : Male

Frank Medrano

Character Name : Bartender

Original Name : Frank Medrano

Gender : Male

Dennis S. Fahey

Character Name : Cop with Ambulance

Original Name : Dennis S. Fahey

Gender : Male

Albert Wong

Character Name : Mr. Wu

Original Name : Albert Wong

Gender : Male

Christopher Lawrence

Character Name : Paramedic

Original Name : Christopher Lawrence

Gender : Male

John Haynes Walker

Character Name : Fireman #1

Original Name : John Haynes Walker

Gender : Male

Joseph Patrick Kelly

Character Name : Fireman #2

Original Name : Joseph Patrick Kelly

Gender : Male

Lennox Brown

Character Name : Tunnel Maintenance Worker

Original Name : Lennox Brown

Gender : Male

Martin Bosworth

Character Name : Bike Messenger

Original Name : Martin Bosworth

Gender : Male

Nancy Yee

Character Name : Mrs. Wu

Original Name : Nancy Yee

Gender : Female

Troy A. Cephers

Character Name : ANA Hotel Security

Original Name : Troy A. Cephers

Gender : Male

Carlos Gómez

Character Name : FBI Agent

Original Name : Carlos Gómez

Gender : Male

Robert Gersicoff

Character Name : FBI Agent

Original Name : Robert Gersicoff

Gender : Male

Arnie Alpert

Character Name : FBI Agent

Original Name : Arnie Alpert

Gender : Male

Greg Collins

Character Name : FBI Supervisor

Original Name : Greg Collins

Gender : Male

Doug Roberts

Character Name : Hijacked Car Driver

Original Name : Doug Roberts

Gender : Male

Larry King

Character Name : Larry King

Original Name : Larry King

Gender : Male

Warren Olney

Character Name : TV Anchor #1

Original Name : Warren Olney

Gender : Male

Penny Griego

Character Name : TV Anchor #2

Original Name : Penny Griego

Gender : Female

Eric Keung

Character Name : Mambo Kitchen Worker #1

Original Name : Eric Keung

Gender : Male

David Han

Character Name : Mambo Kitchen Worker #2

Original Name : David Han

Gender : Male

Mandy Kriss

Character Name : Reporter #1

Original Name : Mandy Kriss

Gender : Male

Noel Werking

Character Name : Reporter #2

Original Name : Noel Werking

Gender : Male

Sam De Crispino

Character Name : Reporter #3

Original Name : Sam De Crispino

Gender : Male

Wayne A. Larrivey

Character Name : Doorman

Original Name : Wayne A. Larrivey

Gender : Male

Rhonda Overby

Character Name : Field Reporter #1

Original Name : Rhonda Overby

Gender : Female

Lillie Shaw Hamer

Character Name : Field Reporter #2

Original Name : Lillie Shaw Hamer

Gender : Male

Brenna McDonough

Character Name : Field Reporter #3

Original Name : Brenna McDonough

Gender : Female

Callison Slater

Character Name : Child #1

Original Name : Callison Slater

Gender : Male

Colin Brodie

Character Name : Child #2

Original Name : Colin Brodie

Gender : Male

Daniel Cano

Character Name : Hallway Lawyer

Original Name : Daniel Cano

Gender : Male

Joy Ehrlich

Character Name : Mom In Diner

Original Name : Joy Ehrlich

Gender : Male

Eric Olson

Character Name : Aide #1

Original Name : Eric Olson

Gender : Male

Marcus Troy

Character Name : Aide #2

Original Name : Marcus Troy

Gender : Male

Adam Karkowsky

Character Name : Aide #3

Original Name : Adam Karkowsky

Gender : Male

Steve Uhrig

Character Name : Electronics Store Employee

Original Name : Steve Uhrig

Gender : Male

Robyn Killian

Character Name : Model #1

Original Name : Robyn Killian

Gender : Male

Laura Eizenia Wood

Character Name : Model #2

Original Name : Laura Eizenia Wood

Gender : Female

Angelica Pamintuan

Character Name : Model #3

Original Name : Angelica Pamintuan

Gender : Male

Vené L. Arcoraci

Character Name : Model #4

Original Name : Vené L. Arcoraci

Gender : Female

Charlie Curtis

Character Name : Model #5

Original Name : Charlie Curtis

Gender : Male

Raichle Watt

Character Name : Becky

Original Name : Raichle Watt

Gender : Female

Michael James Walker

Character Name : Union Official

Original Name : Michael James Walker

Gender : Male

Jackilyn Ward

Character Name : Pintero's Sister

Original Name : Jackilyn Ward

Gender : Female

Jason Welch

Character Name : Pintero Kid #1

Original Name : Jason Welch

Gender : Male

Joshua Ward

Character Name : Pintero Kid #2

Original Name : Joshua Ward

Gender : Male

Pete Sutton

Character Name : Dean House Cop

Original Name : Pete Sutton

Gender : Male

Tom Quinn

Character Name : Tunnel Technician

Original Name : Tom Quinn

Gender : Male

Robert O'Rourke

Character Name : FBI Observer #1

Original Name : Robert O'Rourke

Gender : Male

John Allendorfer

Character Name : FBI Observer #2

Original Name : John Allendorfer

Gender : Male

Henry Sandler

Character Name : FBI Observer #3

Original Name : Henry Sandler

Gender : Male

Chris Holt

Character Name : Chris Holt

Original Name : Chris Holt

Gender : Male

Seth Green

Character Name : Selby (uncredited)

Original Name : Seth Green

Gender : Male

Tom Sizemore

Character Name : Boss Paulie Pintero (uncredited)

Original Name : Tom Sizemore

Gender : Male

Brian Markinson

Character Name : Brian Blake (uncredited)

Original Name : Brian Markinson

Gender : Male

Philip Baker Hall

Character Name : Mark Silverberg (uncredited)

Original Name : Philip Baker Hall

Gender : Male

Jason Robards

Character Name : Congressman Phillip Hammersley (uncredited)

Original Name : Jason Robards

Gender : Male

Reviews

Y

YouShouldKnow

@YouShouldKnow

2021-06-23

What was just a movie then is quickly becoming reality now. With the erosion of our rights and privacy online, this movie should have served as a harbinger of a world we do not want to live in. We are introduced to the same arguments politicians, the wealthy and the agencies brought forth after the terror attacks we endured. The exact same rhetoric is used in this film ("if you have nothing to hide..."). At times, it looks like the real world emulates fiction or worse, this film was a blue print. From a protagonist unaware or unwilling to see the state of affairs, who's unwittingly caught in the path of bad guys, to what might then have been a tinfoil hat wearing, paranoid conspiracy theorist, but would now (post Snowden) be a a very concerned citizen, this film has what it needs to tell a good story. What's great too is the ending, which is bittersweet. It reflects pretty well what goes on in the highest spheres where the working class has little to no influence. All in all, a great film for everybody.

W

Wuchak

@Wuchak

2021-06-23

Fast-paced surveillance-oriented action/thriller with Will Smith, Gene Hackman and Jon Voight RELEASED IN 1998 and directed by Tony Scott, "Enemy of the State” is an action/crime/thriller starring Will Smith as a DC lawyer who unknowingly apprehends evidence of a serious crime involving a formidable politician (Jon Voight) and is subsequently targeted by his NSA goons (Jack Black, Seth Green, etc.) and heavies (Scott Caan, Jake Busey, etc.). He ultimately partners with an ex-NSA surveillance curmudgeon (Gene Hackman). The quick-editing is akin to other popular action flicks of the era, like “Armageddon” (1998), but it’s done expertly and there are enough lulls in the relentless action and character-developing moments to prevent it from being overkill. The surveillance element and Hackman bring to mind Coppola’s “The Conversation” (1974), but the story moves way faster, has more thrills and the characters are more interesting. Lisa Bonet (Jason Momoa’s babe) is stunning as the protagonist’s secret connection and former woman-on-the-side while Regina King is capable as the wife. There are several teases of ravishing women on the periphery. This is a gripping, action-packed thriller that has quality characters and is entertaining throughout. The creators took the time & effort to throw in inspired little gems, like “Baby” the friendly orange & white cat (I have a cat just like him). Smith and Hackman have great conflict-habituated but respectful camaraderie. THE MOVIE RUNS 2 hours, 12 minutes and was shot in Baltimore & Phoenix, Maryland; Washington DC; and Southern Cal (L.A., West Hollywood and Pasadena). WRITER: David Marconi. GRADE: A-

J

John Chard

@John Chard

2024-05-16

The government's been in bed with the entire telecommunications industry since the forties. They've infected everything. Enemy of the State is directed by Tony Scott and written by David Marconi. It stars Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Regina King and Lisa Bonet. Music is by Harry Gregson-Williams and Trevor Rabin, and cinematography by Dan Mindel. A lawyer becomes targeted by a corrupt politician and his N.S.A. goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a politically motivated murder. Superb action thriller, we find Tony Scott on fine story telling form, backed up by Smith (how great to see the actor and not the star) and the always awesome Hackman adding his character driven gravitas to the stew. We are frighteningly drawn into a very real hi-tech world, which in turns becomes thought provoking and intriguing. Scott knows how to work an action scene and edge of the seat sequences, and he doesn't disappoint here. The running time of 2 hours 10 minutes is arguably a touch too much, but there is never any moments of extraneous sequences or pointless filler, the screenplay ensures that all conversations and character activities mean something, and therefore should be noted. A hot buck roll call of rising actors are in on the fun, namely Barry Pepper, Scott Caan, Jake Busey, Jamie Kennedy and Jack Black, which leaves us with a smart and thrilling pic that's served at a breakneck pace. Enemy of the State delivers wholesome genre entertainment. 9/10

C

CinemaSerf

@Geronimo1967

2022-07-08

Poor Jason Lee ("Zavitz") has only the smallest of parts in this film, yet in the few minutes he is on screen (before he is squished in a road accident) he manages to dump unsuspecting lawyer "Dean" (Will Smith) into an whole world of pain. Why? Well we already know what happened regarding the mysterious death of "Congressman Hammersley" (Jason Robards) but unfortunately for the killers, a video camera used for monitoring bird life caught them in the act. "Zavitz" managed to pass the tape to "Dean" and soon the considerable resources of the NSA are shutting down his credits cards, testing his already precariously balanced marriage and setting him up for a fall as they desperately try to retrieve this incriminating evidence. Luckily, though, he alights on maverick "Lyle" (Gene Hackman) and they start to come up with a strategy to fight back and trap their nemesis "Reynolds" (Jon Voight). There are a few sub-plots - but essentially this is just a vehicle for Will Smith to do what he always does and there is nothing remarkable about that. Hackman joins late and does inject a little class into this otherwise by-the-numbers political thriller that serves as a conspiracy theorist's wet dream and sees Voight just reminding me of his "Mission Impossible" (1996) persona. I did quite like the premiss of the ending, but it really bordered on the spoof upon execution. Nobody can sustain it for 2¼ hours, it sags often and even the tag-team pursuit scenes and the slowest self-destruct sequence I think I've ever seen really don't invigorate it. Watchable on the television on a wet winter's night, but nothing more memorable than that I'm afraid.

T

The Movie Mob

@mooney240

2022-10-28

**Enemy of the State is an underrated action thriller that might not innovate the genre but definitely entertains!** A paranoid conspiracy action thriller with Tony Scott flair. Scott has directed some of my favorite movies, and while this one isn’t on the top of my list, it’s still a fantastic suspense espionage flick with all the government secrecy of Jason Bourne but without most of the action. Will Smith and Gene Hackman struggle to escape the tightening net of corrupt government officials and mercenaries and can only survive by using their own surveillance and subterfuge against them. Enemy of the State might not bring anything new to the genre, but it is one of the better wrongfully accused crooked politician movies out there. While the technology of the film was advanced at the time, it is now dated, but thankfully, it doesn’t distract much from the overall film. From the director of Top Gun and Man on Fire, Enemy of the State is an entertaining, fast-paced thriller with a hint of Christmas.

A

Andre Gonzales

@SoSmooth1982

2023-05-15

I love a good conspiracy movie. Especially when it's a well thought out one. This movie was well thought out and had the perfect actors to do it.

R

RalphRahal

@RalphRahal

2025-01-30

Enemy of the State is an intense thriller that still holds up today, maybe even more so with how technology and surveillance have evolved. The pacing is spot-on, keeping things moving without feeling rushed or dragging. Sure, the technical details are wildly inaccurate, but that doesn't really matter when the movie is this engaging. Watching it now, a lot of what seemed far-fetched back in 1998 doesn’t feel as impossible anymore, which makes it even more compelling. Will Smith carries the film effortlessly, balancing charm, panic, and determination in a way that keeps you invested. Then there's Brill, played by Gene Hackman, who adds that perfect mix of paranoia and experience, making their dynamic one of the highlights. The cinematography does a great job shifting perspectives at just the right moments, pulling you into the feeling of always being watched. It’s not flawless, and there are some odd creative choices here and there, but nothing that takes away from the experience. The sound design and score are decent, though nothing particularly memorable, which works fine since it doesn’t take anything away from the film. What really makes Enemy of the State work is its energy and tension, it never lets up, and it keeps you engaged the whole way through. If you’re into high-stakes thrillers with a strong cast and a story that feels more relevant now than when it first came out, this one is definitely worth revisiting.