Director: Michael Mann
Stars: Christian Bale, Johnny Depp
In Cinemas: 2 July 2009
With school holiday fun films being released it comes as a surprise to see “Public Enemies” hit our theatres today. The serious and ominous film is the story of infamous gangster John Dillinger, based on an insight into one of America’s most famous criminals with a lasting reputation.
The suspense film is directed by Michael Mann with a range of dramatical action scenes that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. He has managed to create a hybrid of gangster movies and take viewers back to the 1930’s.
Mann uses the raw energy and allures us into the fast-moving adrenaline pumping crime space. The film doesn’t start with the typical origin story, and unlike other directors Mann plunges right in.
The film stars two of Hollywood’s biggest names and faces them against each other. Johnny Depp plays the witty Dillinger as we follow him on his road of violence and destruction. Whilst Christian Bale plays the head of FBI Agent Melvin Purvis who is under pressure to stop Dillinger, allowing the FBI to receive further funding.
A lot is at stake for Purvis who tries desperately to capture the hardened criminal, but the FBI are just that one step behind. Dillinger’s love interest is flapper Billi Frechette (played by Marion Courtillard) whom he demands becomes his girlfriend. But between the girl, Dillinger finds himself in a challenging position, trying to come to terms with the fact that bank robberies (his specialty) are no longer the gangster underworlds priority- all the while the FBI are closing in.
Dillinger promises his lady the world, but the crime world is changing and is slowly slipping through his fingers. Crime is beginning to change and Dillinger is blissfully unaware of his role in the crime world. In confusion, he shifts from bank robberies to the gangster world, teaming up with Baby Face Nelson- resulting in more blood shed and death than Dillinger has experienced before.
One of the recurring themes throughout Public Enemies is that Dillinger lives for the now and is unwilling or even unable to consider his future, taking no use for the past. It’s what keeps the lengthy movie in shape and the intense immediacy, stark lighting and effective chaotic action makes the film an easy one to watch.
Camera use and footage from previous Dillinger films is what gives viewers the best angle of the criminal life of John Dillinger. Public enemies, although a long film is worth sitting around for.