Public enemies is the latest film by director Michael Mann starring Johnny Depp as notorious bank robber John Dilinger and, Christian Bale as his pursuer Melvin Purvis. The setting is amazing in itself as the film takes place during an incredibly recreated and, masterfully detailed, old 1930’s America. The film is a drama that seems lighthearted at times yet spectacularly violent at others with Johnny Depp delivering a lively yet charming rendition of an iconic John Dilinger.
Christian Bale portrays Melvin Pervis in this film who is quickly introduced as an incredibly remarkable officer who is skillful and smart. His heroics allow him to enter and quickly enter the high ranks when taking a position with J. Edgar Hoovers fledgling Bureau of Investigation. Pervis’ first assignment with Hoover is to capture and arrest Public Enemy #1: John Dilinger. John Dilinger captures the hearts of America as he dashingly robs banks across the U.S. during a depressed economy and manages dashing escapes from America’s top banks and prisons. He pulls off incredibly clever breakouts from some of the the countries most infamous prisons and manages to appear charismatic and charming during his exploits well enough to entertain the public when news of his adventures hit the press. He teams with some of America’s most notorious gangsters such as infamous criminal Baby Face Nelson as he takes his destiny in his own controlling hands in an incredible adventure of guns, women, and alcohol while seemingly living life as America’s Robin Hood (without giving to the poor).
Johnny Depp nails his role as bank robber John Dilinger. Playing a charismatic yet strong face in the public eye is nothing unfamiliar to Johnny Depp, which only lends itself to this film. From the time Johnny Depp makes his first appearance as the brash and slick tongued Dilinger, you instantly fall into a sense of immersion where you no longer see Depp as acting. He is John Dilinger from that point forward, and he runs with it. And as a patron in the theater you are(presumably) a willing participant in witnessing the wild adventure and incredible heart racing ride that Johnny Depp begins to portray as the life of Dilinger. His mannerisms to his commanding presence whenever he enters a room, Dilinger is a compelling figure that ensnares any eyes that dares glance in his direction. He has a commanding presence to any person he speaks with that encourages the person to deliver an honest response from whichever person he interacts with.
Opposite of Johnny Depp is Christian Bale. He sleepwalks his performance through this film. He doesn’t seem to have any enthusiasm while portraying his role as Pervis which actually results to being a major detraction for this film. It honestly seems like he knew he had to do a southern accent for the role, heard Keanu had a wicked accent in ‘the Devil’s Advocate’ and decided to borrow it for a while. Seriously, its uninspiring to see such a fantastic actor produce such a boring performance, and it pains to me to say this about Bale because the truth is that I’m a huge fan of him as an actor. I was just also incredibly disappointed knowing from his previous body of work the skill and potential that lies within him which wasn’t necessarily relied upon or used in any applicable way in this film.
The film is an incredible representation of the life of one of the most beloved and most dangerous bank robbers in American history. The sets, wardrobe, and fantastic historic props create the immersive tale of depression-era America. The film is great for those wanting to enjoy a lengthy, (albeit too lengthy), drama that tastefully marries action into its story to serve a tasteful and savory theater experience for those who are interested in this form of film. Not one for action junkies despite the promotional shorts on television, yet delightful for theater regulars looking for a solid story with a solid cast.
B-
