Sniper duel stumbles at the gate

Rating: 6/10 (30 August 2002)

I wanted to like this movie. The cast and director are accomplished, and the World War II setting is a powerful backdrop to explore poignant themes and flex some technical muscle.

After a schlocky flashback showing Vassili (Law) learning to use a rifle under his grandfather's tutelage, we learn of Fascism's spreading blight over Europe in a fantastic newsreel-style animation, then are thrown into a horrific battle sequence. Red Army troops are sent headlong onto the frontline of the German siege of Stalingrad. The Soviet troops are dispatched by Nazi infantry, artillery, and air strikes. Those trying to flee the onslaught are sickeningly mowed down by their own officers. The city lies in ruin, and in these early sequences Annaud captures the sweeping scale of the siege impressively.
Then the movie stumbles. Vassili meets Danilov (Fiennes), and the duo gain renown and become a touchstone of hope for the Soviets: the former for his heroic sniping skill, the latter for his bleating about it. Enter the girl, Tanja (Wiesz); both men immediately begin vying for her once they meet in a palatial 'hovel' maintained by Filipov.
The ensuing love triangle continually distracts us from the heart of the movie: a sniper duel between a Ural peasant and a German aristocrat, Koenig. The duel is a metaphor for the war raging between Stalin and Hitler, and also one of class struggle.
I had not appreciated the startling skills of snipers until I saw Barry Pepper's portrayal in Saving Private Ryan. Enemy at the Gates does well to display their extraordinary abilities too. However, their duel is played out over months against the backdrop of an implausible romance, inconspicuous siege, and imperceptible winter.
In the end, the technical merit of the production was spotty, with flashes of brilliance as vivid as the sprays of blood it depicts. I must credit Harris' Koenig for being immediately despicable (it only takes seconds for you to hate him), and Hoskins' ruthless and engaging Khrushchev. Law, who had just played Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley prior to this film, demonstrates unexpected range and intensity in this role.
6 of 10