An Enemy of the People

Running time: 90 mins

A classic of the world theatre since it was first published in 1882, Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People is given a modern film adaptation under the masterful direction of Erik Skjoldbjaerg (Insomnia, 1997). Instead of a contaminated spa, however, this modern retelling cleverly involves the contamination a small Norwegian town?s mineral water bottling plant?a plant that is tied to the town?s economy because its product is about to be launched internationally.

Tomas Stockman is the local boy gone big time. A television equivalent of Michael Moore, he has been out digging up trouble and saving the world. When his producers dump him, however, Tomas takes this opportunity to return to his roots and oversee the family's bottled-water company. But Tomas' brother, Peter, is the hands-on manager and isn't pleased at all when Tomas says the water is not up to snuff. And if Tomas thinks he is going to try and save the world easily, he has another thing coming when Peter uses Tomas? own weapon against him?the media.

Skjoldbjaerg's version of The Enemy of the People is as provocative as it is timely?in a time when most people are willing to drink whatever the media tells them. Featuring a beautiful Norwegian landscape, set amidst the gorgeous fjords, examines the purity and the impurity of the human heart.

Tamee Tanoor

MAVERICK COMPETITION