Is that a Parker Pen?

No, it’s a Mont Blanc.

Enemy of the State is a delightful romp. Where the plot suffers, a sweaty Tom Sizemore rescues, or Will Smith charges through on pure charisma, or Gene Hackman shouts at someone, or Lisa Bonet moves her hair around.

If you love this film, and want to love it even more, watch the Conversation.

Some of Ebert’s cynicism or fatigue with films is on display in his review and especially in his comparison with the Conversation. Nevertheless, he is spot on here, “the standoff at the end edges perilously close to the ridiculous.” Perhaps my born-in-cynicism makes me a larger fan than Ebert.

Seth Green is the NSA agent who leads the bugging job on Will Smith. Where they replace his watch, pen, belt buckle, shoes, and I can’t remember what else. Smith dresses immaculately, and this includes a Mont Blanc. In a classic (for my purposes), negating-proof of my theory, Green answers the rookie NSA agent, “Is that a Parker Pen?” “No. It’s a Mont Blanc.” Regina King could have one, the congressman, but easiest would be Hackman. But there isn’t one featured because no one is truly good, or innocent or even trying to be. Which is thy the line is iconic. At least for such niche purposes as this website. (And my cc disagrees with my memory on what is said in the van, you can adjudicate at your leisure).