Where was Enemy of the State filmed?
1998
City Locations
Washington, DC; Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA; Baltimore, MD (USA)
Location Types
Restaurant, Hotels/Motels, Retail, Buildings/Offices
Location Styles
Dilapidated/Neglected, Colonial, Federal Building, Hotel/Motel Style, Industrial Style
About Enemy of the State
Step into the high-stakes political intrigue and action world with the 1998 thriller Enemy of the State. Directed by the seasoned cinematic visionary Tony Scott, this gripping narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. It features an ensemble cast of quality actors, including the charismatic Will Smith, Jon Voight, Gene Hackman, and Lisa Bonet, alongside notable performances from Dan Butler, Gabriel Byrne, Loren Dean, Jack Black, and others.
Enemy of the State dives into a spine-chilling plot of corruption and murder at the highest echelons of power. An unsuspecting lawyer (Will Smith) finds himself in possession of a tape documenting the brutal assassination of a congressman. The culprits? An evil group of NSA agents determined to protect their secrets at any cost. As the layers of deception unfold, the race against time begins—a deadly game of cat and mouse where trust is a luxury and the stakes can cost you your life.
While the film's intense performances and the intricate storyline did not receive specific award recognition, its unforgettable narrative and outstanding cast have ensured Enemy of the State's position as a staple in the political action thriller genre.
The film has a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This rating is an average of 6.44 out of 10 based on the analysis of 84 reviews. A standardized score of 67 out of 100 was also given to the film by Metacritic, another platform that aggregates reviews. Considering the opinions of 22 critics, this score indicates that the picture has been met with "generally favorable reviews."
Enemy of the State Locations
The high-octane surveillance thriller Enemy of the State is famous for its unique filming locations in Baltimore and Washington, DC. Iconic DC locations in the film include the Treasury Building stairs, the Georgetown neighborhood, and Dupont Circle.
Parts of the film take place in Baltimore's industrial district, where sequences like the demolition of the old Dr Pepper plant and the pursuit through the Consolidated Coal yards that eventually lead to the Patapsco River were filmed.
But don't assume that these two cities were the only locations used. On Madeline Drive in Pasadena, the Craven Estate stood in for Robert Clayton Dean's law office, one of several astutely recreated sites in Los Angeles.
Traveling to these locations from Enemy of the State could be an enjoyable experience, particularly for movie buffs or someone fascinated by film history, thanks to the film's extensive use of location.
Zavitz gets hit by a car scene in Enemy of the State
Larry's Homemade Ice Cream, 1633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
In a desperate attempt to escape, Daniel Zavitz (Jason Lee) unexpectedly crosses paths with his former college mate, the labor attorney Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith). During their fleeting interaction, Zavitz surreptitiously places a computer disc in Dean's shopping bag without him noticing. However, tragedy strikes when Zavitz later dies in a horrific accident involving a fire truck, and following this, Reynolds (Loren Dean) orchestrates the demise of an underground journalist.
This intense scene was filmed at a recognizable location near 1633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington. Although the site has undergone some changes over the years, die-hard fans can still identify the building from the movie. Larry's Homemade Ice Cream, an ice cream shop serving homemade treats to the Washington DC and Metro area since 1985, adds a touch of local charm to the location.
To visit this filming location, you would need to travel to the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC, where Connecticut Ave NW is located. It's worth noting that the area is also home to several other points of interest, making it a worthwhile stop for film buffs and tourists alike.
Dean meets Rachel scene in Enemy of the State
Canter's Deli, 417 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Robert meets with his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Banks (Lisa Bonet). Rachel works for a mysterious figure known as "Brill" (Gene Hackman), whom Dean occasionally hires for surveillance operations despite never having met him in person. During their meeting, Rachel hands Dean a tape that incriminates Pintero (Tom Sizemore) for labor racketeering, which Dean uses to pressure the mobster into agreeing to a favorable settlement.
This pivotal scene was filmed at a renowned Los Angeles eatery, Canter's Deli, located at 419 North Fairfax Avenue. Since its establishment in 1931, Canter's Deli has been serving up an authentic deli-style experience. Lauded by both the LA Times and LA Weekly for its exceptional pastrami, Canter's takes pride in creating a dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more. This culinary icon is managed with love by the third and fourth generations of the Canter family. The restaurant effortlessly blends contemporary comfort with the nostalgic charm of stylish 1950s decor, providing a unique backdrop for this memorable scene in Enemy of the State.
To arrive at Canter's Deli, you can drive or use public transit services. If you're starting from downtown Los Angeles, it's a 30-minute drive via US-101 N and Melrose Ave.
The law office of Robert Clayton Dean scene in Enemy of the State
Cravens Mansion, American Red Cross Office, 430 Madeline Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
Robert finds his life unraveling due to a complex web of deception. After being mistakenly targeted by the NSA, Dean experiences a cascade of personal disasters: he loses his job, his bank accounts are frozen, and in a heartbreaking development, his wife asks him to leave their home.
Several scenes depicting Dean's downward spiral were filmed in Los Angeles, specifically within the confines of the Craven Estate. This location doubles as Robert’s law office in the movie. Located at 430 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, the estate is a grand structure built in the late 1920s for Mr. and Mrs. John S. Cravens. Enclosed by brick walls, wrought iron gates, and mature trees, the estate exudes an air of exclusivity and old-world charm.
Today, the estate serves as the office of the American Red Cross and is private property. Although movie fans may not be able to tour the interior, they can view the exterior from the street. You could drive or use public transportation to Pasadena to reach the Craven Estate. It's a 10-minute drive from the city center via Orange Grove Boulevard.
Chase scene in Enemy of the State
3800 Newgate Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
Brill comes to Robert’s rescue after he realizes the scam. He keeps Dean safe and helps him remove most of the tracking devices he had been wearing without realizing it. After a stressful sequence, Dean manages to free himself of the final gadget and makes a daring escape from his pursuers.
Dean is followed through the Consolidated Coal yards on Newgate Avenue in Baltimore, near the Patapsco River, in a classic scene. Located in the city's industrial area at 3800 Newgate Avenue, the Consol Energy Corporation was the site of this high-stakes pursuit scenario.
Navigate to Baltimore's industrial district near Newgate Avenue to reach this area. Depending on your location, you have the option to use public transportation, drive, or hail a cab. This location is roughly 15 minutes’ drive east of the city center.
Robert stays at the motel scene in Enemy of the State
Motel 6 Washington, DC - Convention Center, Penn Street Northeast 421-499, Washington, USA
Robert is forced to take refuge in a motel as his life spirals out of control due to a conspiracy he unwittingly becomes part of. The exterior shots of this motel add a layer of gritty realism to the film, highlighting the drastic change in Robert’s circumstances.
These scenes were filmed at Motel 6 Washington, DC. Located in the city's heart, Motel 6 Washington DC/Convention Center offers a budget-friendly option for travelers. While the area around the motel may have changed since the movie was filmed, the overall atmosphere remains similar, offering a tangible connection to this iconic film.
To reach Motel 6 Washington, DC, it's a short drive from downtown Washington, DC, via New York Ave NW. If you prefer public transit, multiple bus routes service the area, including the S9 and S2.
Conclusion
Enemy of the State offers an action-packed update to the paranoia-infused narrative of The Conversation (1974). The film adeptly transforms a tale of an innocent man trapped in a government conspiracy into a drawn-out, high-tech chase through the iconic landmarks of Washington D.C., such as the Georgetown district, Dupont Circle, and the Treasury Building steps on Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 15th Street.
The movie also takes viewers to Baltimore, introducing them to critical scenes shot in the city's industrial section. Despite the high stakes and constant action, the performances are deeply compelling. Will Smith convincingly portrays a good lawyer blindsided by the state's misused power. At the same time, Gene Hackman, sporting a bristly haircut and horn-rimmed nerd glasses, turns in a memorable performance. Jon Voight's bureaucrat, convinced that his job places him above the law, adds another layer of tension to the narrative.
Overall, Enemy of the State is a successful blend of action and suspense, showcasing various filming locations contributing to its gripping atmosphere. This film not only offers a thrilling viewing experience but also significantly contributes to the movie industry, particularly in its use of technology and surveillance as central themes, which resonate even more strongly in today's digital age. Moreover, visiting the actual filming locations of Enemy of the State could offer fans a deeper connection to the movie, providing an opportunity to appreciate the cinematic craftsmanship that went into creating this riveting thriller.