Public Enemies

There are a few great directors out there, that, while I'm certainly very aware of their work, I have never actually seen any of it. David Lynch for example. Jean-Luc Godard and Ingmar Bergman also. And, up until recently, Michael Mann would've been on that list. But then I saw Public Enemies and realized I have a lot of catching up to do.

Public Enemies follows a small portion of the life of John Dillinger (astutely played by Johnny Depp) during his bank-robbing heyday. Dillinger is relentlessly tracked by FBI G-man Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale, slow burn). The film also delves into Dillinger's private life, examining his brief love affair with Billie Frechette (2007 Oscar winner Marion Cotillard).

Even though the movie clocks in at almost two-and-a-half hours, there is never a dull moment in Public Enemies. Shootouts, prison escapes, and car chases abound. Johnny Depp plays Dillinger with such managed charisma that even silent moments sparkle with electricity. Depp's performance highlights the inherent contradiction in Dillinger, astute tactician on one side, "carpe diem" renegade on the other. Depp's charisma is keenly balanced by Christian Bale's Purvis. Ever the dutiful lawman, Bale portrays Purvis with a restrained intensity as he attempts to capture Dillinger, despite the ineptitude displayed by his comrades. In my opinion, the weak point in the film is Billy Crudup's J. Edgar Hoover, who comes across as way too much of a caricature. Oh, and Depp spouts some one-liners that are a bit ridiculous.

The most memorable thing about this film, and the thing that will continue to be talked about, is that it's filmed with digital HD cameras. I think this is probably the first film I've seen shot like this, and definitely the first period piece. For what it's worth, I really enjoyed this change from the norm. The period costumes, cars, and settings all pop a bit more and really bring the viewer into the life of the film. In fact, the handheld camera work lends the film a documentary feel at times especially during the bank robbery scenes. The HD technology really stands out during a shootout in the woods, which is one the most intense and exhilarating action scenes I've seen in awhile. There is something about the way the HD cameras capture the muzzle blasts that is borderline epileptic.

Even though Mann plays fast and loose with the facts at times, Public Enemies is a wonderful film that I highly recommend. Now excuse me while I go put the collected works of Michael Mann on my Blockbuster queue.

Wade: 4.5/5 stars

Kinsey: 4/5 stars