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Friday, May 16, 2008

Enemy of the State


Enemy of the State (1998)
Director:Tony Scott
Starring: Will Smith (Robert Clayton Dean), Gene Hackman (Brill), Jon Voight (Reynolds), Lisa Bonet (Rachel Banks), Regina King (Carla Dean)

Sometimes Hollywood displays this uncanny knack for predicting the future — how the state of politics and world affair would be like in future. In Danzel Washington starrer 'The Sieze', it was about Islamic terrorists in New York City, much before the actual events of 9/11 took place. And, it happened petty much the same way!
In ‘Enemy of the State’, the issue is the government's right to intrude into a citizens private life. Post 9/11, the issue has taken the shape of enormous proportion, with everyone having a opinion about it. Though Tony Scott's film is thriller, it pretty much brings out the issue in question in a forceful manner.
One senator is in favour of the proposed privacy bill. Another isn't. So the pro kills the cons. But his action is recorded in a video camera, and after a long chase scene, the tape falls in the hands of lawyer Robert Dean. But Dean's hands are already full and now he is being tracked by the countries millitary intelligence. The victim does not have a clue. Now, all he needs is the help of mysterious Brill.
The best part of the movie is that it moves fast and furious, not a single dull moment. You can't complain about Will Smith's manerisms and is actioning skills. But it is Gene Hackman who steals the thunder. He's just awesome.

Brill: You're the threat now. Just like I was.
Robert Clayton Dean: Threat to whom? To them?
Brill: No. To your family, your friends, everybody you know, everybody you meet. That's why I went away and didn't come back. You've got to go away, Robert.
Robert Clayton Dean: No, I don't think so. This is my life, I worked hard for it and I want it back. I grew up without a father, I know what that is. And I will not allow my family to go through that.

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