Public Enemies
Cast: Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard, Christian Bale, Billy Crudup, Stephen Graham,
Dir: Michael Mann
Rating: 4/5
When a Johnny Depp movie rolls into town it's always an occasion but then bear in mind that he hasn't appeared in a film in over a year then it's an even more exciting affair.
Couple that with the idea that Captain Jack Sparrow is taking on Batman, under the watchful eye of Heat filmmaker Michael Mann, and we should have a real corker on our hands.
No one could stop Dillinger. No jail could hold him. His charm and audacious jailbreaks endeared him to almost everyone from his girlfriend Billie Frechette (Cotillard) to an American public who had no sympathy for the banks that had plunged the country into the Depression.
But while the adventures of Dillinger's ganglater including the sociopathic Baby Face Nelson (Graham)thrilled many, Hoover (Crudup) hit on the idea of exploiting the outlaw's capture as a way to elevate his Bureau of Investigation into the national police force that became the FBI
It's great to see Depp back on the big screen and he really dosen't disappoint with his portrayal of John Dillinger as he gets under the skin of a man that has fascinated America.
While there are plenty of shoots outs and chases Public Enemies is very much a character driven piece from Michael Mann as he tries to peel away the layers of Dillinger, a man that not much is known about away from his crimes.
And it's Depp's performance that is the centre piece of the whole movie as he depicts Dillinger as this charming man who wanted to stand up to the banks that had ruined the lives of so many people.
He is an anti-hero with a heart so afraid of letting people down and breaking his promises, especially those promises that he made to Billie.
Michael Mann has produced a highly elegant and sophisticated movie that understands the gangster genre but goes down a different path to create something completely new.
However it's not as slick and as polished as was expected, and this is possibly the only criticism that I would have.
For those who aren't too interested in John Dillinger's character then fear not there are plenty shoot outs to keep you entertained, the battle of Little Bohemia being one of the movie's highlights.
Mann managed to film in the Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin and outside the Biograph Theatre in Chicago which really brings authenticity to the movie.
While many gangster movies are known for their grey palettes Public Enemies doesn't go down this track as Mann brings thirties Chicago to life and it's a bright and vibrant piece of work with interesting characters.
Depp is great as the likeable anti-hero and is a character that you can't help routing for but he is given some great support from the likes of Marion Cotillard who interacts well with Depp in her first big English speakign role.
She gives a powerful performance as Billie, who's not entirely comfortable with Dillinger's way of life, the scene in the police station where she is knocked around by an FBI office really is very powerful.
It's also another great performance from Bale as Melvin Purkis, although it would have been nice to see him get in a little bit more on the action scenes. And like in Heat Bale and Depp come face to face just once in the whole movie which, despite being set in a jail, is one of the most exciting of the whole movie.
What's truly great about this film is Mann proves that you can have a grown up movie appearing in the summer months that looks beyond the computer effects and focuses on characters packing an emotional punch.
What's also interesting about this movie is the failure to acknowledge the passing of time and this goes hand in hand with Dillinger's inability to look beyond the here and now.
Dillinger never thought about the future he lived for the moment knowing that he could be arrested or killed at any moment. He didn't know what was around the corner and neither does the audience so the pair go on this ride together.
Public Enemies pulls together a great script, fine ensemble cast as well as good direction and authenticity to produce a heart pounding action movie and a fine addition to the gangster genre.
Public Enemies is out now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Johnny Depp