During the 1930's, bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) became public enemy number 1 under J. Edgar Hoover's (Billy Crudup) watch with the FBI. Under the task of catching Dillinger was Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), a field agent who got promoted with the intention of catching the famous crook.
The main issue with Public Enemies is the manner in which director Michael Mann structures his cop vs. robber story. Instead of glamorising one side instead of the other Mann chooses to tell both sides in a very straight forward way with slight favoritism toward Depp's Dillinger. But by no means do we dislike Purvis, which becomes the real issue here. In a fire fight among foes I needed someone to root for in the action, but instead I found myself merely entertained at the scenes as a whole but not entertained with a purpose.
The other problem was Marion Cotillard, whose acting I found to be mediocre, but whose overall role I found to be somewhat annoying. Her character Billie Frechette is a weak point among the lively or not so lively cast Mann assembled and comparing her to Depp's phenomenal turn as Dillinger is practically impossible.Overall though Public Enemies was a good movie, and won't rise to be more than that. The shootouts are incredibly well done, Depp is amazing, and the soundtrack of the movie is one of the best this year with artists like Billie Holiday and Otis Taylor. The gritty feel of the camera was welcome and added to the dark tone Mann creates. Public Enemies may have been a let down, but it rose above most of the other movies coming out this year. Grade - B
1 comment:
I agree! it was a good movie but didnt lie up to the standards that i set from the previews and my love for movies and history from this time! the gun fight in the woods was amazing! The sounds were the most convincing things i had geard in a gun fight from any movie! i wish the rest of the movie was as good as i had built it up in my head!
Matt Lenz
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