An Enemy of the People

1978 "The tragedy of a an honest man destroyed by a town's greed."
6.9| 1h47m| G| en
Details

A small forest town is trying to promote itself as a place for tourists to come enjoy the therapeutic hot springs and unspoiled nature. Dr. Stockmann, however, makes the inconvenient discovery that the nature around the village is not so unspoiled. In fact, the runoff from the local tanning mill has contaminated the water to a dangerous degree. The town fathers argue that cleaning up the mess would be far too expensive and the publicity would destroy the town's reputation, so therefore news of the pollution should be suppressed. Dr. Stockmann decides to fight to get the word out to the people, but receives as very mixed reaction.

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Reviews

Konterr Brilliant and touching
Beystiman It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.
Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.
AllanHy I am sure when this play was written in 1883 it was viewed as "revolutionary" because the majority of society did not understand the methodology of science.We assume a century and a half later, mostly because we are communicating over electronic images, that our technology and education will overcome such anti-technology and self-destructive stupidities.Wrong.When you realize the suppression of science that resulted in the lead in the water of Flint Michigan, the destruction of the Challenger space shuttle, or the political lies of the 2003 (non-existent) Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction, or the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, the fragility of truth and science becomes terrifying.
McQueen-Fan thanx to one of the guys writing here I received this tape a few years ago. And believe it or not, in my hometown - Zurich, Switzerland - they actually show this movie at the movie theater, starting next week. I can't believe this!!! Steve McQueen's acting is amazing and memorable. Actually in all of his movies - I got it all - but especially here too. It's a shame they never published this. Whenever you got the chance on watching this jewel then just do it. You might be bored at the begin, especially if you're expecting a typical McQueen- Movie. Give it a chance and don't turn off the TV after ten minutes or so. You won't regret. However, the end was a little fast (don't know exactly how to tell this in English). I am so excited to watch this at the movies next week and just can't believe it still. It's also showing on TV in the States sometimes but those people probable know this already.
Mark Dragicevic I was fortunate enough to watch this film on Sky Cinema (for those not in the UK, this is a movie channel specialising in older films), and being a McQueen fan, was not disappointed. I had heard so much bad press about this movie before seeing it, that it was slow, boring, a waste of time and celluloid. How wrong. Yes, it may be wordy, and a bit 'stagey', but stick with it for the first 10 minutes or so and you will be hooked. Don't be put off by a bulky looking McQueen with a fearsome beard and even more fearsome hair. His performance is possibly the best of his career (barring 'The Sand Pebbles'). His support is magnificent too, especially Charles Durning as his brother. This movie may look like a TV movie in feel, but look a little deeper and there are some real powerhouse performances. Warners obviously had no idea how to market this movie, so they didn't bother. At least they released it to TV for us to enjoy. I don't believe that this movie has appeared on either DVD or Video, so I will treasure my VHS to DVD transfer to enjoy hopefully for many years to come. If this ever appears on TV again, I urge you to catch it.
matlock-6 Steve McQueen made a career out of playing action roles, and although he played with a certain sense of cerebrality, by 1977 he wanted to prove that he could "act", in the classic sense. He proves beyond a doubt that he can in "An Enemy of The People", which was adapted from a play by Norwegian playwright Heinrik Ibsen.McQueen gives a sublime performance in a film that was never properly released, promoted, or issued on video simply because the filmmakers didn't know what to do with it. It was a complete 360 degree turnaround role for McQueen, it's based on a play that, although famous, isn't well known by people who aren't college students, and they simply didn't know how to market it.All the actors for this film were well chosen and all turn in excellent performances. McQueen himself certainly looks the part of the town doctor with his granny glasses, professor's 3 piece suit, and long shaggy beard.It should be noted that this does appear on PBS from time to time, and videotaped versions of this are floating around. If you get a chance to see it, whether on tv or on someones videotaped version, then by all means do so.