Public Enemies
- -Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger's charm and audacity endear him to much of America's downtrodden public, but he's also a thorn in the side of J. Edgar Hoover and the fledgling FBI. Desperate to capture the elusive outlaw, Hoover makes Dillinger his first Public Enemy Number One and assigns his top agent, Melvin Purvis, the task of bringing him in dead or alive.
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Storyline
Details
Box Office
Company Credits
Technical Specs
Review of Public Enemies Movie (2009)
Public Enemies Box Office: 214.1 million USD
Introduction
Public Enemies is a biographical crime drama film directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard. The movie is based on the non-fiction book, Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34 by Bryan Burrough. It tells the story of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger and his gang during the Great Depression era in the United States. In this blog post, we will review the movie, Public Enemies, and provide insights into the storyline, acting, cinematography, and more.
Storyline
The storyline of Public Enemies is gripping and intense. The movie begins with John Dillinger’s escape from jail and follows his journey as he robs banks and evades the law. The FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, is determined to capture Dillinger and uses every resource at his disposal to bring him to justice. The storyline is well-written and keeps the audience engaged throughout the movie. It also provides a glimpse into the life of a notorious criminal during one of the most challenging times in American history.
The movie portrays the conflict between Dillinger and the FBI in great detail. It shows how Dillinger outwits the FBI at every turn and how the FBI becomes more and more desperate to capture him. The action scenes are well-executed, and the pacing of the movie is excellent. Overall, the storyline is one of the strongest aspects of Public Enemies.
However, some viewers may find the movie’s pacing slow at times. The movie is over two hours long, and some scenes could have been trimmed to make the movie more concise.
Acting
The acting in Public Enemies is top-notch, with Johnny Depp delivering a standout performance as John Dillinger. Depp brings depth and complexity to his character, making Dillinger more than just a two-dimensional criminal. Christian Bale also shines as Melvin Purvis FBI agent tasked with capturing Dillinger. Bale’s performance is understated but effective, portraying Purvis’s single-minded determination to bring Dillinger to justice.
The supporting cast, including Marion Cotillard, Stephen Graham, and Billy Crudup, also deliver strong performances. Cotillard, in particular, shines as Billie Frechette, Dillinger’s love interest. She brings a vulnerability and tenderness to her character that contrasts well with the violence and chaos surrounding her.
Cinematography
The cinematography in Public Enemies is stunning, with beautiful shots of the 1930s-era Midwest. The movie was shot on location in Chicago, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and the filmmakers did an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of the time period. The scenes of Dillinger and his gang robbing banks are particularly well-shot, with the camera capturing the tension and chaos of the robberies.
The use of handheld cameras gives the movie a documentary-style feel, which adds to the gritty realism of the story. The lighting and color grading are also well-done, with the movie’s color palette giving it a vintage feel.
However, some viewers may find the use of handheld cameras and quick cuts disorienting. The movie’s visual style can be jarring at times, and some viewers may find it distracting from the story.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Public Enemies is excellent, with a mix of modern and period music. The movie’s score, composed by Elliot Goldenthal, is haunting and beautiful, with a mix of orchestral and electronic elements. The use of period music, including songs by Billie Holiday and Duke, adds to the movie’s authenticity and helps transport the viewer back top>
The sound design is also well-done, with the movie’s gunshots and explosions sounding realistic and impactful. The use of ambient sound, such as the sound of rain and cars, adds to the movie’s immersive quality.
Themes
Public Enemies explores several themes, including the nature of crime, the role of law enforcement, and the impact of the Great Depression on American society. The movie also touches on the idea of celebrity and the cult of personality surrounding criminals like John Dillinger.
The movie portrays Dillinger as a complex figure, neither wholly good nor wholly evil. It shows how his criminal activities were born out of desperation and how he became a folk hero to many Americans struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression. The movie also portrays the FBI as an imperfect institution, willing to bend the rules to capture Dillinger and other criminals
How Was It Received?
Public Enemies received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising the movie’s performances and cinematography while others criticized its pacing and storytelling. However, the movie was a commercial success, grossing over $214 million worldwide.
The movie’s legacy has also endured, with many viewers appreciating its gritty realism and historical accuracy. Public Enemies has become a cult classic among crime movie enthusiasts and is considered one of Michael Mann’s best films.
Section 8: Conclusion
Public Enemies is a well-made crime drama that explores the life of John Dillinger and his conflict FBI. The movie’s strong performances, excellent cinematography, and haunting soundtrack make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. However, some viewers may find the movie’s pacing slow, and its visual style can be disorienting at times. Overall, Public Enemies is a must-watch for anyone interested in the life of one of America’s most notorious criminals.
Recommendations
If you enjoyed Public Enemies, we recommend watching other crime movies like The Godfather, Scarface, and Goodfellas. We also recommend reading the book that inspired the movie, Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34 by Bryan Burrough. Additionally, you may enjoy watching other Michael Mann films, including Heat and Collateral.
Section 10: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Public Enemies is a well-made crime drama that explores the life of John Dillinger and his conflict with the FBI. The movie’s strong performances, excellent cinematography, and haunting soundtrack make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. While some viewers may find the movie’s pacing slow and its visual style disorienting, Public Enemies is a must-watch for anyone interested in the life of one of America’s most notorious criminals.