Enemy of the State

Enemy of the State 1998

Test your knowledge of Enemy of the State with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Enemy of the State (1998). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


As the U.S. Congress gears up to implement new legislation significantly enhancing the surveillance authority of intelligence agencies, Congressman Phil Hammersley (Jason Robards) stands firmly opposed to its passage. In a bid to ensure the bill goes through, Thomas Reynolds ([Jon Voight]) from the National Security Agency takes drastic measures, eliminating Hammersley without knowing that a wildlife researcher named Daniel Zavitz ([Jason Lee]) has captured the entire incident on his video camera.

Upon discovering the murder, Zavitz takes immediate action by alerting an underground journalist, Grant Heslov, while simultaneously transferring the critical footage onto an innocuous computer disc. However, Reynolds quickly learns about Zavitz’s recording and deploys a team to retrieve the video. As Zavitz attempts to evade his pursuers, he runs into an old college acquaintance, Robert Clayton Dean ([Will Smith]). In a desperate move, Zavitz discreetly slips the computer disc into Dean’s shopping bag without him realizing it. Unfortunately, Zavitz meets a tragic fate when he is struck by a fire truck soon after.

However, the danger does not end there. Understanding that Dean might possess the incriminating footage, the NSA executes a raid on his home, planting surveillance devices everywhere. Unable to locate the video, they resort to framing Dean as someone who shares classified information with his former girlfriend, Rachel Banks ([Lisa Bonet]). This deceit shatters Dean’s life as he faces job termination, frozen bank accounts, and his wife choosing to throw him out.

Desperate and sought after by the NSA, Dean seeks help from Banks, who arranges a meeting with a contact known as “Brill.” Unfortunately, Dean’s first encounter is with an agent posing as Brill, leading to his realization of the mistake. The real Edward Lyle ([Gene Hackman]), a retired NSA agent, intervenes, rescuing Dean and skillfully eliminating most of the tracking devices embedded on him. The two men join forces in their quest to evade the relentless pursuit of the NSA.

As Dean and Lyle lay low, the NSA responds by killing Banks and framing Dean for her murder. Lyle manages to piece together that the NSA orchestrated Hammersley’s death but the evidence becomes compromised during a frantic escape from another NSA raid. It comes to light that Lyle possesses a deep background in NSA communications, having served in Iran before the revolution, making his motivation more personal as he once lost a partner during that tumultuous time.

Despite Lyle’s urging to flee, Dean remains resolute in his intention to clear his name. In a bold move, the duo blackmails a supporter of the surveillance legislation, Congressman Sam Albert ([Stuart Wilson]), by capturing him in a compromising situation. They cleverly plant bugs left from Reynolds on Albert to instigate an investigation, alongside making a hefty transfer to Reynolds to imply bribery.

Lyle then gets a hold of Reynolds, claiming to possess the video of Hammersley’s murder, and proposes a meeting. Dean informs them that the footage is currently with Mafia boss Paulie Pintero ([Tom Sizemore]), whose establishment is under FBI surveillance. This leads to a tumultuous confrontation at the restaurant, resulting in a gunfight that takes out both the mobsters and Reynolds along with several NSA agents.

In the end, Dean and Lyle manage to escape, with Lyle quickly vanishing from the radar of law enforcement. Although the FBI uncovers the conspiracy behind the surveillance bill, they choose to conceal NSA’s involvement, leading to the bill’s collapse. Dean is finally exonerated and can reunite with his wife, while Lyle finds solace in a tropical getaway, sending a heartfelt farewell message to Dean.

Timeline

Track the key events of Enemy of the State (1998) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Congress Considers Surveillance Legislation

The U.S. Congress begins preparations to implement new legislation that enhances the surveillance authority of intelligence agencies. Congressman Phil Hammersley strongly opposes this bill, voicing concerns over privacy and civil liberties.

U.S. Congress

Hammersley is Eliminated

Thomas Reynolds from the National Security Agency takes drastic measures to ensure the passage of the surveillance bill. He orchestrates the assassination of Congressman Hammersley without realizing that a wildlife researcher named Daniel Zavitz is filming the incident.

Zavitz Captures the Incident

Daniel Zavitz is shocked to witness the murder of Congressman Hammersley through his video camera. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he immediately decides to alert underground journalist Grant Heslov.

Zavitz Transfers Footage

As Zavitz contacts Heslov, he transfers the vital footage onto an innocuous computer disc to protect the evidence. Unbeknownst to him, Reynolds soon learns about the recording and sends a team to retrieve it.

Zavitz Encounters Dean

While trying to escape from Reynolds' team, Zavitz runs into an old college friend, Robert Clayton Dean. In a moment of desperation, he slips the computer disc into Dean's shopping bag, hoping to keep it safe.

Zavitz's Tragic Fate

After transferring the footage, Zavitz meets a tragic end when he is struck by a fire truck. This sudden death leaves Dean unwittingly in possession of the critical evidence that the NSA is desperate to retrieve.

NSA Raids Dean's Home

Realizing that Dean may have the incriminating footage, the NSA conducts a surprise raid on his home. They plant surveillance devices and attempt to frame Dean by leaking false information about his relationship with an ex-girlfriend.

Dean Seeks Help from Banks

Facing severe consequences from the NSA’s framing, Dean turns to his former girlfriend, Rachel Banks, for assistance. She introduces him to a contact named 'Brill', which leads Dean further into danger.

Meeting the Real Brill

Dean's first meeting with a supposed agent named 'Brill' proves to be a trap. Thankfully, the real Edward Lyle, a retired NSA agent, intervenes, saving Dean from further entanglement with the NSA.

Lyle and Dean Join Forces

Lyle and Dean decide to work together to evade the NSA and clear Dean's name. As they hide, they become aware of the real dangers posed by the NSA and the lengths they will go to silence them.

Banks is Killed

The NSA escalates their tactics by murdering Rachel Banks and framing Dean for her death. This act of violence deepens Dean's resolve to uncover the truth and prove his innocence.

Blackmailing Congressman Albert

In a daring attempt to expose the NSA's corruption, Dean and Lyle blackmail Congressman Sam Albert. They capture him in a compromising situation and use surveillance devices against him to instigate an investigation.

Confrontation with Reynolds

Dean and Lyle orchestrate a meeting with Reynolds, claiming to possess the incriminating video of Hammersley's murder. This leads to a tense confrontation at an FBI-surveilled restaurant, ending in violence.

Restaurant

Chaos Unleashed

The confrontation results in a gunfight that claims the lives of mobsters, Reynolds, and several NSA agents. Amidst the chaos, Dean and Lyle manage to escape with the essential evidence.

The Aftermath

The conspiracy behind the surveillance bill is uncovered, but the FBI conceals the NSA's involvement, leading to the bill's collapse. Dean is finally exonerated and can reunite with his wife, while Lyle disappears to start anew.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Enemy of the State (1998) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


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

Setting

Uncover the settings of Enemy of the State (1998), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


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

Themes

Explore the core themes of Enemy of the State (1998). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕵️‍♂️

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.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.