Movie Review: Public Enemies (2009)
An art house film posing as a summer blockbuster and I'm still wrapping my head around it...
Photo: Universal Pictures
It's no secret how the life of John Dillinger came to an end; so when Michael Mann begins his telling of the Dillinger story in 1933 only allowing for just over a year's worth of story to be told he isn't giving himself a lot of time. However, in a matter of only a few scenes Mann establishes his lead as a calculated and loyal criminal capable of breaking his friends out of jail, but unwilling to lose one along the way — that is unless you are the man upon which Dillinger places blame. Here is our hero, or anti-hero as it is, and Johnny Depp plays him with an accomplished steely gaze. It's a low-key performance surrounded by menace, desire and love, but at the same time this film won't be for everyone as its slow pace and attention to detail are sure to bore many while enthralling others.
Public Enemies is based on the Bryan Burrough's book of the same name and while filled with prison breaks, bank heists and a recreation of the shootout at Little Bohemia Lodge that rivals the classic gun battle Mann staged in the streets of downtown Los Angeles in Heat, this film is hardly an action epic. This film is a classical epic. It's a period piece in every sense of the word, so much so the final moments while we watch Dillinger sit in the Biograph theater taking in Manhattan Melodrama the only difference between the classic Clark Gable and William Powell feature is that it is in black-and-white while Public Enemies is drenched in high-definition color.
The cast includes Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Channing Tatum, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff, David Wenham, Stephen Lang, Billy Crudup, Shawn Hatosy, Emilie de Ravin, Leelee Sobieski, Stephen Graham, Bill Camp, Jason Clarke, David Warshofsky and James Russo. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"Public Enemies" is a Universal Pictures release, directed by Michael Mann and is rated R for gangster violence and some language.
At one point Dillinger introduces himself to his soon-to-be love interest, Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), and tells her, "I rob banks." She is startled by the statement, and rightly so, but that's just who he is and he isn't one for dancing around the facts. Dillinger's a bank robber living in the now with no thought of tomorrow, and that's just the way he likes it.
Of course, things change as J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) commissions famous law man Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) to take charge of the FBI's Chicago office and begin the manhunt for Dillinger. Bale plays Purvis with a dogged dedication to his job, a dedication that appears to overwhelm him at times, yet his ability to assess a situation never seems compromised. Both Bale and Depp are extraordinary in their performances, but in such a way that neither ever takes it too far, and both thankfully stay clear of old-fashioned gangster stereotypes.
Depp never goes for the gangster role made popular by 1930s Hollywood and Bale doesn't take his character's dedication to catching Dillinger so far it becomes overcooked, something we certainly saw Bale do in Terminator Salvation. However, while Bale and Depp deliver, the true showstopper is Marion Cotillard playing Billie, a hatcheck girl that catches Dillinger's eye and understandably he never wants to take it off her.
As much as Public Enemies is a film about a man who robs banks it is also about a man who seems to be on the verge of realizing there is more to life, but never quite gets a handle on it and it actually begins early on. A "staring into the eyes of death" theme seems to run through this film from start to finish as Dillinger deals with it in the film's opening scene and Purvis encounters it throughout, in what seems like a calculated attempt by Mann to link the two foes.
Dillinger's forward-thinking continues in his relationship (if you can call it that) with Billie, neither of them having any real direction in life, and the combination of her naivete and his dedication create an interesting, although not fully satisfying, pairing. As Billie, Cotillard is absolutely ravishing. Mann gives her wide-eyes and soft skin the treatment of a Hollywood goddess and she chews up every scene, but the beauty of this film doesn't stop there.
Considering the release date and star power of Public Enemies you would think this was a summer tentpole feature, but to call it anything other than an art house period piece would be to mislabel it. Along with cinematographer Dante Spinotti, Mann manages to make the 1930s look like a version of the '30s the cinema has never shown you before. Through the use of high-definition cameras Mann actually brings the '30s into the Oughts and the realism may set some back on their heels. It's a striking visual presentation and it makes the scenery as much a part of the movie as the actors living in it.
With all of this said you would expect me to come away with a final paragraph slathering additional adjectives to describe the emotions I came out of the film with. However, this wasn't an easy film for me to digest and it is one I will be returning to during its opening weekend as I was upset there wasn't a second screening I could attend before writing this review.
Mann's dedication to Dillinger's lack of foresight throws me for a loop as it sometimes stalls the progress of the film, but I believe that was the point. Dillinger robs banks. That's what he does and there isn't much more he is looking for. He's a loyal, yet ruthless, character filled with hatred, but his hatred isn't for the people, it's for the institutions. While robbing a bank Depp uses a similar line to one heard in Heat, "We're not here for your money sir, we're here for the bank's money." There is a method to his lawlessness and it earned him some level of respect with the public, but doesn't make for a narrative that's easy to instantly embrace. I am leaving room for this one to grow on me or slowly settle down to the middle, but one thing's for certain, it had my wheels spinning and may likely end up an all-time classic of mine a few years down the line.
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Cant wait to see this!!
I'm just back from seeing this and it was fantastic. There's nothing to say, actually, as Brad said it all. :)
It seems that you found the same fault as most critics in terms of the lack of foresight to Depp's character, but I like how you were able to move past that and just enjoy the film.
I'll be seeing it today, and I'm really excited to see all the lead performances, especially Cotillard's…
Great reveiw
**Possibly Spoilerish**
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.
What were his last words?
@Johanna: Reportedly, "You got me"
Thanks! Hm, now that I think of it, that would have been nice (not nice but I don't know), if it did end with them, if he did say them. It's like honoring him or something. However, I thought the whole movie was driving at this ending, talking about him and Billie and that was it. I'm not sure if that's a good thing. If they were going to tell the story, it should have been centered on something different, I guess.
Changing history does suck.
Just got back from the movie…hmmm…I definitely wouldn't give it a B+.
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.
I'm seeing this one tomorrow. Does the shootout at the Little Bohemia Lodge trump the shootout in Heat?
I'm actually pretty new to the films of Michael Mann. I count "Collateral" as one of my all time favorites, but I have only recently seen "Heat" and "Manhunter". I'm not willing to put "Enemies" about "Collateral" just yet in terms of my favorite Mann film (I didn't love "Heat" like I thought I would") until I see it again sometime this weekend but I found myself extremely captivated, even during some of the slower patches that the film encounters.
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.
I would give it the same grade as you Brad. I especially loved that shootout. I wasn't that enthralled with Marion's performance. IDK she just played the typical girlfriend. I think I would've liked the "You Got Me" line better.
I just got back from seeing Public Enemies, and I really liked it. I think Johnny Depp's performance is excellent–I could see so many nuances and levels going on there that you usually don't see in some actors. Same with Christian Bale, who I LOVE, though he doesn't get as much focus as Depp. Marion Cotillard was fantastic. I agree with Brad, she was totally awesome. She too had a very layered performace–for instance, in the end when she doesn't melodramatize. She keeps it all internal, which I think is a great choice. I liked the feel of it more than anything. It just felt real and vital and gut-smashing and true. I liked the changed-up last line. "You got me" is kind of boring and cliched, and I know he really said it, but it really does sound better. But this is one person's opinion. Go see it for yourself and be the judge.
Wonderous movie.
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 would give it about 3 1/2 stars, or around a B+.
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 thought the movie was brilliant. It truly captured the characters these actors were portraying! I think the only reason someone would walk out of the theatre unsatisfied is because there are some slow spots, but it allows time for the auidience to better understand the characters. Depp and Cotillard were brilliant, as was Bale. I was so pleased to see that Mann only gave Channing Tatum about 20 seconds on the screen! Great movie!
Such a good film . It's easy to get attachted to the story and follow it all the way through to the end. Depp and Bale do a wonderful job on there parts. An unusual role for Christian i would say its a very mellow one. Marion Cotillard is beautiful and does a superb job in this film.
My gosh what a great movie. I love this era for films. This movie could not have been better cast or shot. I have been waiting (impatiently) for this movie to come out since I first heard about it over a year ago. It blew me away. GREAT, GREAT MOVIE! Michael Mann just proved to me once again why he is my favorite director.
Haven't seen it yet but are there various cuts of the film floating around? I only ask because the theatres around me list differing times.
143min at AMC, 141min at Cineplex, 140min on IMDB, and a low 135min at Rainbow (independent).
For reference, all of these sources list Transformers RotF at 150min. Thoughts?
i saw the movie 1 hour ago at Paris with the team! god! it's really great (not perfect) but really good! Cotillard is touching,Depp so excellent in the bad guy with good heart(very unusual,so different of Sparrow or tim Burton movies) and i don't understand what trouble have several journalists with Christian Bale actually! he's very good in ferocious "G-men" subtle with a very sugary voice( but Purvis is undevelopped)!
this movie is very beautiful to see !
i give A- because the supporting characters are undevelopped and certain times, it's SO-So
@T'Choco & @Johanna: Actually, Dillinger was dead by the time F.B.I. agents got to his body, his "last words" was a legend that was perpetuated by the legendary bank robber's many fans after his death – as was the legend of "the woman in red."
watched this movie on thursday and must admit to agreeing with the ros review,it left me somewhat underwhelmed and its a far cry from the likes of last of the mohicans,the insider and heat,marginally better than miami vice but michael mann is in desperate need of an epic movie,this ain't it.
Put me in the enthralled category; I didn't want it to end. Spoilers to follow.
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.