Public Enemies (2009)

: Sweet Potato


Directed by: Michael Mann
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard

John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, J. Edgar Hoover and Melvin Purvis are all infamous for their larger than life roles during the 1930’s; gangsters vs. lawmen. This film’s primary focus is on John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), vividly dramatizing his daring bank robberies and escapes from law enforcement (that promoted him to America’s public enemy #1) and his absolute devotion to one woman, Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard). Johnny Depp humanizes Dillinger in a sizzling performance that characterizes him as cocky, brazen, humorous and passionate; he oozes sexuality and dominates the screen, even in the presence of other formidable actors. The movie’s secondary focus revolves around the birth of the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover’s (Billy Crudup) top agent, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), in pursuit of Dillinger et al. Of course Dillinger is the outlaw, but my daughter and I found ourselves rooting for him anyway, just as the makers of the film orchestrated, I’m sure. Stark lighting intensifies the resolute nature of the characters and is suited to the period, the gunfire is realistically loud (particularly in the absence of music during the shootouts), and the up close camera work gives the film an intimate feel. It has that “gangsters are cool” vibe that we’ve come to expect, and the depression period appeal. I don’t think the writers were trying to tell a riveting story as much as they were attempting to bring the man, John Dillinger, to full cinematic realization. Where the story lacks depth, the authentic feel of the era and Johnny Depp’s performance compensate. The biggest objection I have to the film is an over-emphasis on the hand-held camera look; it actually made me dizzy at times and I just couldn’t get my focus. And believe me, I wanted to focus on Johnny Depp! As usual, he is one hot potato, even if the movie isn’t, and, as my daughter said, “I left hungry for more” (of Depp and Dillinger).

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