Enemy of the State

Enemy of the State

Year: 1998

Runtime: 132 min

Language: english

Director: Tony Scott

ActionDramaThriller

A former Justice Department official is framed for a murder he didn’t commit and finds himself relentlessly pursued by the very agency he used to work for. Now a fugitive, he must evade capture while uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. To clear his name and expose the truth, he reluctantly teams up with a skilled rogue operative, facing dangerous adversaries at every turn in a desperate fight for survival and justice.

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Timeline & Setting – Enemy of the State (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Enemy of the State (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the late 1990s political climate and technological advances in surveillance. During this period, issues surrounding privacy, government surveillance, and civil liberties were major points of contention as legislation regarding intelligence authority was being debated.

Location

Washington D.C., Maryland

The film primarily takes place in Washington D.C., the epicenter of U.S. political power and legislative decision-making, known for its iconic monuments and history. Maryland also plays a significant role as the surrounding area where various covert operations unfold, blending urban and suburban settings that reflect the tension between power and privacy.

🏛️ Capital 🌳 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:51

Main Characters – Enemy of the State (1998)

Meet the key characters of Enemy of the State (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith)

Robert Clayton Dean is an ordinary man whose life is turned upside down as he becomes embroiled in a government conspiracy. Initially a successful corporate attorney, Dean's resourcefulness and determination to clear his name showcase his resilience against overwhelming odds and betrayals. His transformation from a passive victim to an active fighter against injustice marks a significant character arc.

👨‍⚖️ Lawyer 😟 Victim 💪 Resilient

Edward Lyle (Gene Hackman)

Edward Lyle is a retired NSA agent with a troubled past, marked by deep personal loss and disillusionment with government actions. His expertise in surveillance allows him to assist Dean effectively, while his personal motivations create a complex character driven by revenge and redemption. Lyle’s mentorship helps Dean transition from naivety to strategic cunning.

🔍 Informant 🧠 Strategic 🕵️‍♂️ Mentor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:51

Major Themes – Enemy of the State (1998)

Explore the central themes of Enemy of the State (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Surveillance

The theme of surveillance permeates the film, illustrating the invasive measures used by government agencies to monitor citizens. It raises critical questions about privacy, freedom, and the balance between security and civil rights, prompting viewers to consider the ethical implications of such control.

⚖️ Justice

Justice serves as a core theme, where the protagonist’s struggle to clear his name reflects the broader societal quest for fairness. The lengths that Dean and Lyle go to expose corruption highlight the sometimes precarious relationship between the individual and institutional powers.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme, illustrated by the duplicitous actions of the NSA and the personal betrayals experienced by Dean, especially by his former girlfriend. This theme underscores the idea that trust can be weaponized, complicating personal relationships amidst a landscape of deceit and danger.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:51

Unlock the Full Story of Enemy of the State

Don't stop at just watching — explore Enemy of the State in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Enemy of the State is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Enemy of the State Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Enemy of the State, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Enemy of the State Summary

Enemy of the State Timeline

Track the full timeline of Enemy of the State with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Enemy of the State Timeline

More About Enemy of the State

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More About Enemy of the State

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