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The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s.
Johnny Depp: John Dillinger
The latest offering from Micheal Mann highlights the infamous John Dillinger and the 1930s depression era, a time of high crime and when bank robbery was big business. Public Enemies is expertly shot, if what sometimes dizzyingly shakey true to Mann's style, poise, and essence in the way he shoots and makes a film. It is also a historical story filmed in a modern way which puts a totally new spin on things. Interestingly the costumes, sets and chases are excellently displayed; we really believe we are right there with them in the 1930s in all it's glory.
Original Music by Elliot Goldenthal boosts the visuals too, to a whole new level that is expected in a Mann film.
What can I say about the cast? It's a star laden cast thats for sure. Of course, we have Johnny Depp as enigmatic bank robber Dillinger. We have the opposite end of the table, Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis, the FBI Agent on Dillingers trail. The rest of the cast includes Marion Cotillard as John's love interest Billie Frechette, David Wenham, Billy Crudup, Stephen Lang and numerous other appearances. The acting as expected is top notch, the direction and tempo moderately paced, blending drama with action.
''They ain't tough enough, smart enough or fast enough. I can hit any bank I want, any time. They got to be at every bank, all the time.''
So how does Public Enemies fare against the other treats Micheal Mann has given us? Is it as good as Heat? Is it another Collateral or mixed bag like Miami Vice was for fans and critics? I feel that it's an amazing film; a worthy historical action laden epic. At times it has charm and humour; at others the score and plot surprises captivates and obliterates the senses.
The ultimate outcome of John Dillinger is one we can see coming a mile away but he is still a martyred hero for an age of depression. An outcome that is more than possibly echoed in history by an array of illuminating characters.
So we get the cars, the women, the bank robberies, the prison escapes, and the fast paced car chase and shootouts to name but a few of Public Enemies attractions. It is a joy as always to see Christian Bale and of course Johnny Depp sharing the big screen and doing what they do best; entertaining and acting. Public Enemies is a bold effort by Mann, in my opinion a wine getting better with age; the shootouts are typical Mann mayhem and I think the trademark blue scene sneaks in on a night time battle.
Public Enemies is going to be a big hit this summer; thanks to the lure of it's two stars, the fact it is Micheal Mann, and the fact it is a historical insight into another world. I would recommend seeing it a few times to savour the great locations, costumes and the feel of the 1930s age. So the end summary I would give; Public Enemies is greatness. Great performances from it's three main stars and dazzling action, although don't expect a feel good conclusion. Mann has a killer soundtrack; I'd watch it again anytime to hear Ten Million Slaves by Otis Taylor. Public Enemies is pure entertainment with historical valour.
Melvin Purvis: The only way you're walking out of this jail cell is when we take you out to execute you.
John Dillinger: Well, we'll see about that.
9/10
