Well there comes a role in an actor's career that they will be remembered for ever by and for the already legendary Johnny Depp who has touched the hearts of millions worldwide, his performance as legendary bank robber, John Dillinger, might go down in history. Depp plays Dillinger to perfection. His mannerisms and the way he dives into the character really come across on screen and it's mesmerizing to watch as a spectator.
Depp's performance drives the movie and you really become attached to this man who wanted to live life like it was his last day and he wasn't afraid to get what he wanted, no matter what stood in his way. Dillinger was an American Hero back in the latter years of the Great Depression and that is exactly how he is portrayed by Depp in the film 'Public Enemies.'
Agent Melvin Purvis, played by Christian Bale is just an additional treat in the film. He is appointed as lead agent at the Bureau of Investigation whose sole priority is to track down public enemy one- John Dillinger. Purvis' character is a very dynamic one who goes through a lot of turmoil in the movie. Just when he thinks he is able to pin point Dillinger, he is always outsmarted and left wondering how he got past his fingertips.
While Depp and Bale do only share one scene on camera together in this near two and a half hour long movie, it still will give you chills. These are two of the most iconic actors in Hollywood right now and the scene they share in the film is a classic. Dillinger questions Purvis what keeps him awake at night and when it's Purvis turn to ask Dillinger, Dillinger calmy replies, 'Coffee.'
The action in this movie is classic/vintage gangster if you want my honest opinion and it's not elaborately drawn out either. It's simple just like I'm sure it was back then. Cool machine guns, plenty of hand guns and of course cool fast cars to plan your escape in. The costumes and scenery also need to be pointed out because they looked absolutely vintage as well. They really give you the feeling that you're standing right alongside Dillinger and his crew as they are about to break into the bank.
Marion Cotillard is sensational as Dillinger's girl, Billie. She is dynamic and mesmerizing in her very own right as the girl who captures Dillinger's heart. Every scene she is in is compelling and none more so then when she is being interrogated by the Chicago Police. It left me feeling chills after seeing the scene because she is going through such hell and torment to protect the man she loves.
The ultimate struggle that the Bureau go through just to capture John is fascinating. He is always one step ahead of them and the escapes are quite amusing to watch and the way he does it will have you chuckling a few times. The movie might feel a little long at times but it doesn't take away anything from the message of the film.
Depp has cemented himself in my eyes as the world's greatest actor alive and this performance will hopefully earn him some Oscar recognition home next year. Depp and Bale along with Cotillard show that good actors put in the right film can lead to a modern day classic, and I truly believe that is what 'Public Enemies' is and will become. The tale of how one man compelled the nation and how he lived life with no regrets and no fear has kind of gone by the wayside in a troubling culture like today's.
This movie offers us something refreshing and classic to fall in love with. It's not everyday you go to the movies and end up routing for the bad guy to come out on top right? 'Public Enemies' is a film that everyone should at least check out once because it's film making at it's best. Michael Mann the director laid out the story perfectly and his actors did the rest. Dillinger will always be remembered for doing what he wanted when he wanted. “I like baseball, movies, fast cars, whiskey and you. What else do you need to know?”
TK's rating of 'Public Enemies'- 4.5/5 stars
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