Enemy of the State (1998) Movie Review: A High-Octane Thriller that Still Resonates Today
Enemy of the State, released in 1998 and directed by Tony Scott, is a gripping political thriller that explores the themes of government surveillance and the erosion of privacy. Starring Will Smith, Gene Hackman, and Jon Voight, the film delivers a pulse-pounding narrative filled with action, suspense, and a sobering look at the power of modern technology in the hands of the state. Over two decades later, Enemy of the State remains eerily relevant in today’s world of mass data collection and surveillance.
Plot Overview
The film centers around Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), a successful labor lawyer in Washington, D.C., who unknowingly becomes embroiled in a deadly conspiracy after he comes into possession of evidence linking a high-ranking National Security Agency (NSA) official, Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight), to a political assassination.
The story kicks off when a wildlife researcher accidentally films the murder of a U.S. congressman by NSA agents under Reynolds’ orders. The researcher, realizing the gravity of what he has captured, tries to get the evidence to safety but is killed by the same agents. Before his death, he manages to slip the incriminating footage into Dean’s hands without his knowledge. Unaware of the danger he is in, Dean’s life is suddenly turned upside down as he finds himself pursued by the NSA, with his reputation, career, and even his life at stake.
As Dean becomes the target of a relentless government surveillance operation, he seeks help from a mysterious and reclusive former NSA operative, Edward “Brill” Lyle (Gene Hackman). Together, they must outwit the omnipresent eyes of the NSA to clear Dean’s name and expose the corruption within the agency.
Performances and Direction
Will Smith shines in the role of Robert Dean, bringing both charm and vulnerability to the character as he transforms from a confident lawyer to a man on the run. Smith’s portrayal captures the escalating tension and paranoia that pervades the film, making his character’s plight all the more compelling.
Gene Hackman delivers a standout performance as Brill, a character who is as paranoid as he is resourceful. Hackman’s portrayal adds depth to the film, as Brill’s own troubled past with the NSA serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government power. The chemistry between Smith and Hackman is a highlight of the film, with their dynamic driving much of the narrative’s emotional and suspenseful moments.
Tony Scott’s direction is fast-paced and visually dynamic, employing quick cuts, sweeping camera movements, and a saturated color palette that adds to the film’s sense of urgency. Scott’s ability to balance action with more intimate, character-driven moments ensures that Enemy of the State remains engaging from start to finish. The use of real-time surveillance footage and satellite imagery adds a layer of authenticity to the film, making the threat of constant observation feel all too real.
Themes and Relevance
Enemy of the State delves into themes of privacy, government overreach, and the ethical implications of surveillance technology. The film presents a dystopian view of a world where every move is monitored, every conversation recorded, and where the state has the power to destroy lives with the press of a button. It raises important questions about the balance between national security and individual rights, questions that have only become more pertinent in the age of the internet, smartphones, and mass data collection.
The film’s portrayal of the NSA as an omnipresent, all-seeing force was ahead of its time, predicting the kind of surveillance state that has since become a reality in many parts of the world. The revelations of widespread government surveillance programs in the years following the film’s release, particularly the disclosures by Edward Snowden, have only served to underscore the prescience of Enemy of the State’s narrative.
Despite being a product of the late 1990s, the film’s themes resonate strongly today, making it a timeless piece of cinema that continues to provoke thought and discussion about the role of technology in society.
Where to Watch Enemy of the State Online in the USA
For those interested in experiencing this high-octane thriller, Enemy of the State is available on several streaming platforms in the United States:
1. Amazon Prime Video
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $14.99
- Details: Enemy of the State can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, with options for standard or high-definition streaming.
2. Apple TV
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $14.99
- Details: The film is available on Apple TV for both rental and purchase, making it accessible across all Apple devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $14.99
- Details: Google Play Movies & TV offers Enemy of the State for rent or purchase, with playback options on various devices, including Android phones and smart TVs.
4. Vudu
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $14.99
- Details: Vudu provides the film for rent or purchase, with streaming quality options from SD to HDX.
5. YouTube Movies
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $14.99
- Details: Enemy of the State is also available on YouTube Movies, offering a convenient option for those who prefer to watch on YouTube.
Conclusion
Enemy of the State is a taut, intelligent thriller that has only grown more relevant with time. Its exploration of surveillance and privacy in the digital age makes it a must-watch for fans of political thrillers and anyone interested in the ethical implications of technology.
With its strong performances, particularly from Will Smith and Gene Hackman, and Tony Scott’s skilled direction, Enemy of the State delivers both edge-of-your-seat excitement and a sobering reflection on the power dynamics between the individual and the state. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it, Enemy of the State remains a powerful film that speaks to the anxieties of the modern world.
