Enemy of the State (film)

Enemy of the State
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTony Scott
Written byDavid Marconi
Produced byJerry Bruckheimer
Starring
CinematographyDan Mindel
Edited byChris Lebenzon
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byBuena Vista Pictures Distribution
Release date
  • November 20, 1998 (1998-11-20)
Running time
132 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$90 million
Box office$250.8 million

Enemy of the State is a 1998 American political action thriller film directed by Tony Scott, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and written by David Marconi. The film stars Will Smith as a labor lawyer who becomes the target of a covert surveillance operation after unwittingly receiving evidence of a political assassination. Gene Hackman co-stars as a former intelligence operative who helps him evade the rogue agents. The supporting cast includes Jon Voight, Regina King, Loren Dean, Jake Busey, Barry Pepper, and Gabriel Byrne.

The film was released theatrically in the United States on November 20, 1998, by Buena Vista Pictures through its Touchstone Pictures label. It was a commercial success, grossing $250.8 million worldwide against a budget of $90 million. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its fast-paced direction, timely subject matter, and the performances of Smith and Hackman.