Aug 03 2009
Public Enemies
Finally, a new gangster movie. I was getting bored without any action movies. The ever chameloeon Johnny Depp stars as John Dillinger, a famous bank robber in the old days of the US.
Synopsis
The story is about the life of the charming & suave gentleman known only as John Dillinger (Depp). A cunning bank robber that stole millions in the 1930’s Great Depression Era. It also spawned the birth of The Federal Bureau of Investigation by J. Edgar Hoover and Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). Melvin Purvis is the man assigned to arrest Public Enemy No. 1 John Dillinger.
Storyline
The storyline is an original true story. These were dark days, with the chaos caused by the stock market, poverty stricken lands breeded hardened criminals. A great account as to the reason of the formation of the FBI.
Cinematography
Frankly, it caused me headaches at first. I couldn’t get used to the free style hand camera usage. But after a while, I kinda agreed with the concept as it went along with the show. It like the show was a nitty gritty movie, raw & brute which showed the truth of life in Chicago. Not the colouful city but one where lives were being lost each day. No fancy smancy effects. Even the tommy guns and the gunshots were pure raw power.
Acting
Great acting by Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The enigmatic Depp was able to personify John Dillinger with his broody face typically different from his other characters as Captain Jack Sparrow or Willy Wonka. Bale reprised his leader hunter man from Terminator. But sadly though, no much chemistry was seen between Bale and Depp. The animosity for each other wasn’t appreciated and really, it was just a movie focusing on John Dillinger. The Chemistry of Depp with Billie (Marion Cottilard) was better and you really feel the pain envisaged onto Billie due to Dillinger’s certainly disenchantment of being a good honest decent man.
Overall
Get used to the film style. It’s a tad long but the action is good. You might get lost at times although the strong acting of Depp, Bale & Marion brings you back into the thick of action.
Ratings
Storyline : 3.5/5 (Original True story)
Cinematography : 4/5 (Brute gritty filming indeed a plus)
Acting : 4/5 (Depp & Bale are brilliant actors)
Overall : 3.75/5 (Catch it altho it can be a tad too long)
