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Enemy of the State

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An Analysis of Enemy of the State Enemy of the State is a classical tale of good versus evil, complete with a tortured hero and a powerful villain. The plot revolves around Washington lawyer Robert Dean (Will Smith), an average family man, who suddenly finds his life turned upside down when an old acquaintance slips a video tape that no one is supposed to ever see into his shopping bag. The tape contains footage of the murder of a United States senator by a member of the National Security Agency (NSA). When agents at the NSA get word that Dean is in possession of the tape, they proceed to ruin his career, drive him from his home, and threaten his life in an attempt to get the tape back. Thus begins Dean’s fight for survival and his …show more content…

(1984) One thing that stands out about Enemy of the State is its unique use of camera angles to set mood and tone. A good example of this is in the opening sequence. Vantages of Washington D.C. exteriors are spliced with shots of high-tech monitors and other devices tracking vehicles from fast-orbiting satellites. The camera changes angle quickly and unpredictably here, blending with this dizzying montage of images to set the frantic, overwhelmed tone of the whole film. Another example is the unique angles used during scenes depicting Dean having an argument with his wife and Dean being chased through a tunnel. The crooked angles used to present these scenes clearly convey the fact that Dean’s life is being turned upside down. Some good use of shadow during indoor scenes helps contribute to the overall paranoid, claustrophobic feel of the film. Director Tony Scott clearly demonstrates his ability to use cameral angles and lighting to evoke the feelings central to the theme of the film. Tony Scott has a reputation as a master of the visually appealing action film. (Tony Scott) He does not fail to live up to that reputation with Enemy of the State. He keeps up a quick pace throughout, using a multitude of finely-choreographed chase scenes and narrow escapes guaranteed to bring audiences to the edge of their seats. High levels of speed and intensity are even used in the transitional scenes, giving the impression that every moment you

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