Today’s quick review: Public Enemies. In 1933, notorious criminal John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) perpetrates a series of daring bank robberies all across the Midwest. His many crimes put him in the crosshairs of FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), the newly appointed head of the Bureau’s Chicago office. But when Dillinger meets Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), he risks becoming entangled just as law enforcement is beginning to close in.
Public Enemies is a historical crime drama based on the life of John Dillinger. The movie follows Dillinger through his glory days, as his bold tactics and efficient crew take America by storm. Under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover, Melvin Purvis escalates the war against Dillinger, hunting down his associates and gradually forcing Dillinger into a corner.
Public Enemies excels at dramatic storytelling. The script has the unpredictability of real life and the polish of fiction. Unlike other crime dramas with similar premises, the meandering plot is offset by an engrossing tone and characters who live from moment to moment. The direction is sensible, and the faithful setting gives the movie a fine sense of atmosphere.
Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard, and Christian Bale all give credible performances. Johnny Depp plays a stony-faced and gentlemanly John Dillinger, a competent criminal protagonist. Marion Cotillard plays Billie Frechette, whose whirlwind romance with Dillinger shows a softer side of the man. Christian Bale plays a fine Melvin Purvis, stumbling a little with his accent but otherwise holding together the law enforcement side of the story.
For all its virtues, Public Enemies is neither the most exciting nor the most moving crime drama. The lack of an overarching plot means that Public Enemies can only deliver what impact it can muster from scene to scene. The impassive characters are suitably impressive as dramatic figures but fail to stir up much emotion. The film does offer a good bit of action, but not enough to draw in action fans.
Watch Public Enemies when you are in the mood for a historical crime drama with decent exeuction and a knack for dramatic presentation. The realistic plot and emphasis on character may not be every viewer’s cup of tea, but Public Enemies has enough general quality to be a worthwhile watch. For better writing and emotional impact, check out The Untouchables. For a tight mystery and strong writing, check out L.A. Confidential.
7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for solid dramatic presentation missing some emotion and excitement.