In 1998, director Tony Scott directed the crime thriller Enemy of the State. Actors brilliantly coped with their roles, and the plot impressed the audience with fascination and unpredictability. The image of the key character embodied by Will Smith. This is one of the most famous films with his participation. What can you tell about his hero and the characters of other actors, as well as about the actors themselves roles?
The film "Enemy of the State": the plot
To begin with, it’s worth briefly retelling the plot of the picture. The film "Enemy of the State" takes viewers to the States of the 90s. Entrepreneur Thomas Reynolds, whose image was embodied by John Voight, is trying to push through a new bill. His idea is to introduce a new tracking system, with which you can control all the inhabitants of the country. Congressman Phil Hammersley rebels against his proposal, whom Thomas eliminates with the help of national security agents.
The ornithologist Zavits, accidentally witnessed by the murder, was played by Jason Lee. This man manages to film the crime on camera, which, by the will of fate, falls into the hands of the successful lawyer Robert Dean, the hero of Will Smith. Now only he can save people from the impending threat, and a retired agent who has hatred of his former colleagues is taken to help him in this.
Main character
So, who played the key character in the crime thriller “Enemy of the State”? Will Smith is a man who hardly needs to be introduced. This actor has repeatedly brought to life the images of the saviors of mankind. For example, in the films "Men in Black" and "Independence Day", his characters fight alien invaders. Will can also be seen in the films “I am a Robot”, “I am a Legend”, “Pursuit of Happiness”, “Seven Lives”, “Removal Rules: Hitch Method”.
Initially, it was assumed that the central role would not be assumed by Smith at all. The creators seriously considered the candidacy of Tom Cruise, however, he refused the proposal, as he worked on the painting "Eyes Wide Shut." The candidates for Stallone and Gibson were also considered, however, in the end, Robert Clayton was played by Will. Interestingly, the actor agreed to a modest fee when he learned that he had to work with Hackman.
The audience will have liked the character of Will. However, some critics accused the actor that his hero was not dramatic enough.
Retired Special Agent
Who did Gene Hackman play? The actor got the role of a former special agent who has hatred for his colleagues. This prompts him to provide all possible assistance to Robert in his struggle. Jin embodied the image of a cunning and selfish person who is ready to risk everything up to his own life in order to leave people who hate him with a nose.
Tony Scott's crime thriller is far from the only known film starring Gene Hackman. He was remembered by the audience thanks to the films Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, Mississippi on Fire, Scarecrow, Behind Enemy Lines, Tenenbaum Family, and Heartbreakers. Most often, the actor can be seen in thrillers, action films and dramas. Interestingly, he had to be persuaded to star in "The Enemy of the State": Gene several times rejected this offer.
John Voight and his hero
Other actors of “Enemy of the State” are also noteworthy. For example, John Voight perfectly coped with the role of the main antagonist, with which the character of Will Smith is forced to fight. At first glance, Thomas Reynolds may seem like a classic villain, however, the actor managed to give his character the necessary depth.
You can list the famous paintings for a long time, in which the brilliant John Voight managed to play by 78 years. “Game by the rules of others”, “Treasure of the nation”, “Midnight cowboy”, “Where dreams lead”, “Soldiers of failure”, “Transformers”, “Manchu candidate” are just some of them.
Other actors
What other actors of the “Enemy of the State” deserve mention? Jason Robards played the brave Congressman Philip Hammersley, who sacrifices himself for his principles. A small but vivid role went to actress Lisa Bonet, who embodied the image of the girlfriend of lawyer Robert. It is her heroine Rachel Banks who helps the hero contact a retired intelligence officer.
Other actors in The Enemy of the State: Gabriel Byrne, Barry Pepper, Seth Green, Jack Black, Scott Caan.