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PUBLIC ENEMIES
Despite some flashy directorial pyrotechnics, a couple of charismatic leading performances, a rock solid supporting cast, and some first rate production values, the 2009 docudrama Public Enemies isn't quite the film it should be due primarily to an overly padded screenplay that meanders too leisurely to a foregone conclusion.
This film is a look at what appears to be the final years in the career of mobster John Dillinger and the FBI's dogged pursuit of the man, led by J. Edgar Hoover and Melvin G. Purvis. Dillinger is not new cinematic territory, but it is the first one I've seen and my knowledge of the facts is pop culture level, so this film can be only judged on how the characters were presented in my eyes and the film as entertainment value.
Director and co-screenwriter Michael Mann, if nothing else, drives home the inspiration of the phrase most associated with Dillinger..."Public Enemy Number One." Dillinger is painted here as a criminal who demanded fear and respect from both sides of the law. He commanded unquestionable loyalty from those who were part of his inner circle and was undisputed in the art of self preservation. This Dillinger is also a man who was acutely aware of his mortality and exactly what his lifestyle has earned him in terms of eventual consequences. I can't think of a lot of movie characters I've seen who have made an impression that makes their own want to distance themselves. According to this film, John Dillinger was a mobster that even the mob wanted nothing to do with.
One thing that this film does is infuse a definite likability factor into the character and that is definitely the combined efforts of the actor and director. Observing a lot of what Dillinger does here, it's a little unsettling that I find myself siding with the character whether I'm supposed to and a lot of that is in the magic of casting.
Johnny Depp lights up the screen in the title role and I have to wonder if this film would have been nearly as interesting if another actor had been playing this part, but Depp's star power gives this film more meat than it deserves and Christian Bale works hard at keeping Purvis from being a cliche. Mann has assembled an impressive supporting cast including Billy Crudup, Stephen Lang, Jason Clarke, James Russo, Giovanni Ribisi, and Channing Tatum. Must also mention Oscar winner Marian Cotillard who takes the typical movie gun moll role to another level. The film also features incredible editing, sound, and costumes. Fans of the director might add half a bag of popcorn to the rating, but being a fan of Depp kept me from taking half a bag off. A mixed bag to be sure, but it definitely goes on too long.
Despite some flashy directorial pyrotechnics, a couple of charismatic leading performances, a rock solid supporting cast, and some first rate production values, the 2009 docudrama Public Enemies isn't quite the film it should be due primarily to an overly padded screenplay that meanders too leisurely to a foregone conclusion.
This film is a look at what appears to be the final years in the career of mobster John Dillinger and the FBI's dogged pursuit of the man, led by J. Edgar Hoover and Melvin G. Purvis. Dillinger is not new cinematic territory, but it is the first one I've seen and my knowledge of the facts is pop culture level, so this film can be only judged on how the characters were presented in my eyes and the film as entertainment value.
Director and co-screenwriter Michael Mann, if nothing else, drives home the inspiration of the phrase most associated with Dillinger..."Public Enemy Number One." Dillinger is painted here as a criminal who demanded fear and respect from both sides of the law. He commanded unquestionable loyalty from those who were part of his inner circle and was undisputed in the art of self preservation. This Dillinger is also a man who was acutely aware of his mortality and exactly what his lifestyle has earned him in terms of eventual consequences. I can't think of a lot of movie characters I've seen who have made an impression that makes their own want to distance themselves. According to this film, John Dillinger was a mobster that even the mob wanted nothing to do with.
One thing that this film does is infuse a definite likability factor into the character and that is definitely the combined efforts of the actor and director. Observing a lot of what Dillinger does here, it's a little unsettling that I find myself siding with the character whether I'm supposed to and a lot of that is in the magic of casting.
Johnny Depp lights up the screen in the title role and I have to wonder if this film would have been nearly as interesting if another actor had been playing this part, but Depp's star power gives this film more meat than it deserves and Christian Bale works hard at keeping Purvis from being a cliche. Mann has assembled an impressive supporting cast including Billy Crudup, Stephen Lang, Jason Clarke, James Russo, Giovanni Ribisi, and Channing Tatum. Must also mention Oscar winner Marian Cotillard who takes the typical movie gun moll role to another level. The film also features incredible editing, sound, and costumes. Fans of the director might add half a bag of popcorn to the rating, but being a fan of Depp kept me from taking half a bag off. A mixed bag to be sure, but it definitely goes on too long.