I think Dillinger has a lack of direction, not foresight. The line where he describes himself to Billie, he states that his father beat him because his father knew of no other way to raise him. I would suggest, in the movie, Dillinger lives outside the law because he knows no other way to live. When John and Billie are sitting in the sand and she asks if they'll go to Cuba, he says maybe. Later, he gives a similar unspecified response when casing out the train job. My impression is that he knew what was coming, he simply did not know how (or want) to avoid it.

That inertia can also be seen in Purvis. The moments when he became overwhelmed seemed to occur when his mandate led to actions that would otherwise be questionable. After Billie's interrogation, I felt that Purvis's actions were more about ending the hunt for Dillinger than actually stopping Dillinger. Which would explain his eventual departure from the Bureau.

This is an incredibly tough movie for me to grade, like you said in your review. While watching it I couldn't help be disappointed because I don't think it even touched the surface of the classic it could've potentially been. However, there were moments of great power for me, particularly in the scenes between Depp and Cotillard. Obviously the action was brilliant and the acting was great.

Overall, a very solid crime drama, but it didn't even come close to its potential.

I was worried, but there was no need to be. THe performances were great, COtillard's especially(She will definatly be getting a nomination). Deep was great, bale was so-so(but i wasnt expecting his performance to be stellar).The whole HD camera debate was no problem. In my eyes, it kinda added to the whole experience. Bank robbing scenes were seamless, gun fights were beautiful, and car chases were fun. I went with my girlfriend and she was into it more than me. GO SEE GO SEE GO SEE

I've never been a fan of Johnny Depp. That's not to say I dislike him, or that I don't consider him a good actor, it's just that most of his films fall outside my preferences. After seeing him as Dillinger I feel as though he deserves a second look, as he is absolutely fantastic. He manages to capture the essence of a man truly living only for that moment, but I consider his best work in the film to be towards the end as the chase intensifies and the body count builds. You begin to see a different side of him, a side that wants to live for more than the thrill. The second half of this features, truly, some of the best acting I can remember.

As a huge Christian Bale fan (MAN CRUSH!) I was let down by his work in Terminator, though honestly he didn't belong in that to begin with. This film is a great reminder that through all the Batman, John Connor hoopla, an honest to god thespian lives. Purvis isn't given all that much to do, but the moments when we see the regret and sadness at the extent of his own actions truly shine through. He wants to get his man and he's willing to do almost anything to get him but that doesn't mean he can't understand the severity of his work.

I honestly didn't think Cotillard was as good as others do, but I can't blame her for it. It's a good performance by a talented actress, but there were large pieces of time where she just wasn't around and I totally forgot her. When she's there she's fine, but I don't think the role has the depth or the gravity that it should.

The HD cameras give the film a fantastic look and there are moments of near unparalleled beauty amongst the violence. The Little Bohemia ambush is a brilliantly shot sequence, the moon dimly lighting the woods and muzzle flash popping frequently, it's the films best sequence.

After only one viewing of what is sure to be many, I can already say I enjoyed it very much. Showcasing about a year of Dillinger's life was a great way to put us right alongside the man, allowing us to truly see what the hunt was like for him. Will everyone love it? No, absolutely not. But if you're willing to except that this isn't the gangbusting-crime fighting blockbuster it's billed as there is a truly great film here.

The plot was sparse, the character development was minimal, and the only prolonged interaction between the two leads felt forced and was ultimately uninteresting.

I had high expectations for this film, and it really failed to live up to them. There just wasn't much to latch on to, the love story got pushed to the forefront but was undeveloped, there were huge portions of the film where you could easily forget Marion Cotillard didn't exist.

But…

The shootout at the Little Bohemia Lodge was epic, one of the better gunfights I've seen on film. Also technically the film was brilliant, maybe the best shot depression era movie ever.

They didn't even bother to get the man's last words right. Those were changed like so much else in service to a typical hollywood love story. Right from the beginning history was changed, and for what, a disservice to history AND a better story. I know people don't like history lessons as movies, but the real story is so much better. And since half the shots in the movie looked like something from the History channel, I think yes, they could have at the very least gotten Dillinger's last words right.

I'll be seeing it today, and I'm really excited to see all the lead performances, especially Cotillard's…

Great reveiw