Public Enemies: Film Review

Some movie goers argue that modern films pale in comparison to the performances of years past and there is some merit to their arguments. The quality of the story telling seems to have deteriorated with the advent of explosions and CGI. The story of John Dillinger however warranted another retelling in film. Dillinger in 1973 lacked an intimacy and pacing which Public Enemies brings to the silver screen.

The facts are undisputed, so the story arc of the two films is substantially the same. The difference lies with Bryan Burroughs and his new book of the same name. Adapted for the screen and directed by Michael MannMichael Mann his interpretation smooths the narration and humanizes the characters in a manner not seen before. The story is split between the pressures on the nascent FBI as it struggled to prove its worth as a law enforcement agency and the sensational life of mobsters, fast cars and violence. The dialogue and interaction is rich and believable, giving a star studded cast plenty of material to work with and grow into.

Artfully and skillfully Johnny DeppJohnny Depp stars opposite Christian BaleChristian Bale as John Dillinger and Melvin Purvis respectively. Their characters are polar opposites, but they each portray them well. Depp personifies a compassionate, sincere and seductive John Dillinger as a simultaneous public hero and wanted felon. He is pursued by Bale as a stiff, southern bred, law man with the weight of J Edgar Hoover on his shoulders and a single minded obsession with catching John Dillinger. These actors are each able to dominate the screen, expose the vulnerability of their characters and bring this story to life for another generation of viewers curious for insight into the bold and rich world of outlaws in 1934.

Famed personalities from all corners of the performing world appear as supporting actors and cameos as a testament to the quality of this film. Big or small, every one wants to put their name on it and with good reason. Their talents are cumulative and their contributions come together for a richer performance, featuring familiar faces like Channing TatumChanning Tatum and Steven Dorff to thespians who frequent the States less often like Stephen GrahamStephen Graham and Marion CotillardMarion Cotillard. There is no weak link in this chain of actors. This casting is more like a team than a loose association of self serving talents: each member contributes appropriately to the greater good of the final product.

The film ultimately climaxes on the well documented end to the days of John Dillinger as an outlaw with an emotional, final scene. Here is a spoiler alert: your heart will go out to “my Johnny” after witnessing his scene with Manhattan Melodrama. Dillinger has been produced and filmed twice before, once in 1945 and once in 1973. With Public Enemies however the legend of John Dillinger finally has the flow, timelessness and believability which may make this the last time for all of time.