March is a dull month for movies, but this year could be different
thanks to Paramount's recent decision to move "Enemy at the
Gates" from late February to March 23. Based on a true story, "Enemy" is a
WWII thriller that pits a Russian sniper (Jude Law) against a Nazi
rifleman (Ed Harris). The full-length trailer, available at the official site (Quicktime required), shows both aerial and
ground battles, and it hints at an intense, climactic duel between
Law and Harris.
The film looks good, but "Enemy" isn't a guaranteed hit. Jude Law, an Oscar nominee for "The Talented Mr. Ripley," has earned accolades for his supporting work, but "Enemy" is his first shot at leading manhood. Director Jean-Jacques Annaud ("Seven Years in Tibet") is also facing a challenge as "Enemy" is the largest project he's ever encountered. The film's complicated effects work was responsible for it missing the original December 22 release — a delay that eliminated "Enemy" from 2000 Oscar contention.
The film's push from February to March was probably done to distance "Enemy" from the February 9 release of "Hannibal." Pre-release tracking numbers suggest that "Hannibal" could be MGM's biggest release ever. News like this causes puddles to form around the feet of rival studio execs.
For more on "Enemy of the Gates," check out an extensive collection of stills and visit the "Enemy" page at Upcomingmovies.com
Posted: 01/19/01
