Public Enemies Film Review
Johnny Depp Brings John Dillinger to Life in Michael Mann's Epic Movie
Jul 14, 2009
Even if one is unfamiliar with the infamous life of history's most notorious bank robber, the film, Public Enemies, delivers nothing less than a stellar cast and eventful plot line.
The Cast of Public Enemies
Starring Johnny Depp as Dillinger and French born actress, Marion Cotillard as Dillinger's love interest, Billie Frechette, Public Enemies is the Romeo and Juliet of the crime world. Supporting roles include FBI agent, Melvin Purvis, portrayed by The Dark Knight star, Christian Bale and Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover.
Failing to ever disappoint, Depp leaves you routing for the bad guy and inevitably shedding a tear toward the end. It's difficult to imagine a criminal with a sensitive side, able to capture the heart of a beautiful French/Native American woman, and America, for that matter, but Depp embodies how this is accomplished. Cotillard embraces the passion and charm Billie Frechette was said to possess while Bale falls a bit short of the precarious Purvis.
The Film's Structure
While the screenplay, based off of Bryan Burrough's 2004 book, Public Enemies America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34, focuses on the life of John Dillinger, it briefly follows other gangsters including Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson. The diversion is more supportive than disruptive.
Public Enemies balances on a tight wire between guns and romance that ultimately appeals to any audience – young, old, male, female, history buffs, and action enthusiasts alike. Michael Mann brilliantly directs this historical depiction of a criminal who was widely endeared as a hero. With Mann's unique 140 minutes of guerilla style filming, one feels as if he/she is watching a documentary rather than the Oscar worthy cinema that the movie truly is.
The Outcome
The film is packed full of never heard before one liners including, “If you were looking at what I'm looking at, you'd be in a hurry, too,” Dillinger replies to Frechette's inquiry of why he is in such a rush. Dillinger's wittiness is sure to develop into pick up lines in bars across the globe. It is very rare that a movie is capable of becoming a classic like Forrest Gump, but don't be surprised if "Dillinger Dives" begin popping up next door to "Bubba Gumps."
Anyone waiting in anticipation for the release of Public Enemies will not be disappointed. At best, it exceeds any expectations one may have. The character development is rich and Hollywood leaves female viewers everywhere longing for a bank robber of their own.
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