enemy of the state be a prescient look at the critical balance between national security and personal freedom . release in 1998 , the plot could be take from today 's headline . in response to terrorist action and threat , legislation be introduce allow government extremely wide latitude in surveillance and curtail personal privacy . key member of the government itself , however , be sociopath -- totally amoral in the pursuit of they own ambition . sound familiar ? it be a tale we have hear all too often . Director Tony Scott play to the audience 's distrust of authority rather than they fear of terrorism -- perhaps if the movie be make today it would have a different slant . but government have seemingly get no purer , and official be keen to grab exactly those rights that this movie be concern with .  as for the rest , Will Smith and Gene Hackman turn in terrific performance . the action be continuously thrilling , although excessive in the number and length of chase scene . although occasionally we have to suspend we disbelief , the climax of the movie provide a payoff so clever that we be happy to do so . the music , by former Yes guitarist Tevor Rabin and a collaborator , suit the action well but do not particularly stand out significantly . but it seem to I that all this be fairly moot ; what really count be the issue raise . they have become even timelier and more difficult .