Public Enemies

Directed by: Michael Mann

MPAA Rating: R for gangster violence and some language

Runtime: 2 Hrs. 23 Mins.

Theatrical Release: July 1st, 2009 (Wide)

Notable Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Jason Clarke

TRUE REVIEW*

Introduction: No one could stop John Dillinger and his gang. No jail could hold him. His charm and audacious jailbreaks endeared him to almost everyone — from his girlfriend Billie Frechette to an American public who had no sympathy for the banks that had plunged the country into the Depression. But while the adventures of Dillinger’ gang — later including Baby Face Nelson and Alvin Karpis — thrilled many, J. Edgar Hoover made Dillinger America’s first Public Enemy Number One and sent in Melvin Purvis, the dashing “Clark Gable of the FBI.” However, Dillinger and his gang outwitted and outgunned Purvis’ men in wild chases and shootouts. Only after importing a crew of Western ex-lawmen (newly baptized as agents) and orchestrating epic betrayals — from the infamous “Lady in Red” to the Chicago crime boss Frank Nitti — were Purvis, the FBI and their new crew of gunfighters able to close in on Dillinger. – Yahoo

Directing: Michael Mann directed Public Enemies in an authentic and gritty style. He chose well known actors the likes of Channing Tatum, Emile De Ravin, Giovanni Ribisi and Billy Crudup to play insignificant roles and that didn’t distract from the film. He also chose to have the film shot in a first person perspective. This intensified aspects of the film and involved the audience in a more intimate way. This risk paid off in the end and it showed that Michael Mann is a Director that likes to be adventurous in his filmmaking.

Score = 4.5 out of 5

Acting: The acting was nothing short of brilliant. Depp and Bale both play their respective roles flawlessly. Depp once again displays an ability to be versatile in whatever role he plays. Bale plays a federal agent with the sole purpose of brining John Dillinger to justice. Bale expresses large amounts of emotion in his character even though his speaking parts are limited. All of Dillinger’s thugs and Agent Purvis’s federal agents are perfectly cast. Lastly, Marion Cotillard, who won the Academy Award for best actress, plays the love interest for Depp’s Dillinger. She may get a nomination for her role in Public Enemies. She plays the role with innocence and unlimited passion.

Score = 4.5 out of 5

Cinematography\Editing: Mann decided that having the film shot in a gritty first person perspective would involve the audience much more. The camera moves much like a person would. Many of the perspectives that the audience sees are extremely familiar because of the movements. There are scenes where the perspective is being shot from within a crowd. This gives the perspective that the audience is watching history unfold and they are part of that crowd. It is a unique way to shoot a film and in the end it seemed to pay off. It did not take away from the film.

Score = 4 out of 5

Plot: The plot was clear and intelligent. There is an obvious beginning, middle and end to the story and all of the plot points are tied up nicely. The film’s plot is involving and filled with intrigue. Even though the film is based on real life events, there is never a moment where the audience won’t care about what will happen next. There are no obvious plot holes and characters are written so that the audience has the freedom to interpret the characters actions.

Score = 4.5 out of 5

Redemptive Value: There is little redemptive value in Public Enemies. The film is about an infamous bank robber that has no clear focus or future goals and when he decides to finally change his life around it may be too late. The protagonist in the film is a man that is a total mess and he ends up regretting the life that he lives. There is a large amount of violence with many characters being killed. Some of the death scenes are graphic in nature and may be difficult for some to watch. There is little language which was somewhat surprising for a rated “R” film. Parents who allow their children to watch Public Enemies should talk about crime and the punishments that society gives for living a life of crime.

Score = 2.5 out of 5

Conclusion: Public Enemies is a well thought out film that is literally littered with great acting and an engaging story. Its unique cinematography is a welcome change of pace for big budgeted Hollywood films. All of the actors are perfect for their respective roles and the plot is as tight as one could hope for. Public Enemies is a solid action drama that should have fans of gangster films smiling and rushing out to see it. If you like great acting and a smart story then Public Enemies may be the film for you to head to the theatre for.

Overall Score = 4 out of 5