IT’S NOT PARANOIA IF THEY’RE REALLY AFTER YOU.Ā
Director Tony Scottās films rarely have much substance to offer, but in this thriller he found something that fits his grand style like a glove. It is a paranoid story with plenty of pizzazz, starring a likeable Will Smith as an attorney who is hunted for possessing a tape recording of the murder of a prominent politician. The filmmakers address the dangers of living in a āBig Brotherā society but are too much in love with the technology to criticize the problem in earnest. Obviously inspired by Hitchcock, and Smith is a perfect modern-day Cary Grant. Gene Hackmanās character of course echoesĀ The ConversationĀ (1974).
1998-U.S. 132 min. Color. Widescreen.Ā Produced byĀ Jerry Bruckheimer.Ā Directed byĀ Tony Scott. Screenplay: David Marconi.Ā Cast:Ā Will Smith (Robert Dean), Gene Hackman (Brill), Jon Voight (Thomas Reynolds), Lisa Bonet, Regina King, Stuart Wilsonā¦ Tom Sizemore, Gabriel Byrne, Jack Black.Ā Cameo:Ā Jason Robards.
Last word:Ā “I thought it was important to bring these [electronic surveillance] issues up. The first director Iād gotten the script to was Oliver Stone. Oliver called up the head of Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer and said, ‘This is a great conspiracy film, and Iād love to do this.’ Ultimately Jerry brought in Tony Scott, who did a terrific job, but Tony made it much more entertainment fare. I think had Oliver been involved, the issues would have been highlighted.” (Marconi, New York Magazine)