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Public Enemies Review
11:00 am Jul 2 - by Matt Carey – buzz Movies and TV Editor
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Public Enemies
Buzz says:
MPAA Rating: RCurrent Showtimes: No showtimes available
As a Michael Mann fan, it has always seemed weird to me that the studios have released his last three films during the summer movie season. While his films usually feature a fair amount of action, they aren’t like the Transformers or Terminators of the world. His films feature in depth character studies and an understated look at the world these people live in. Public Enemies doesn’t exactly break new ground for Mann, but it’s still an enjoyable thrill ride with great performances from Johnny Depp and Marion Cotilliard.
Depp stars as John Dillinger, the famous gangster who robbed banks in the 1930s. After a nine-year stint in prison, Dillinger is back robbing banks all over Chicago, with the public loving him since he only takes the bank’s money and not the customer's. Eventually, the FBI starts on Dillinger’s trail, sending in Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) to head the investigation.
Depp plays Dillinger as a professional of his craft; smart, silent, and willing to kill if need be. His eyes are constantly shifting, looking for any sign of police. A few times I was reminded of Robert De Niro’s performance in Mann’s 1995 film Heat. Depp’s work here will no doubt garner an Oscar nomination. Another possible nomination could be coming for Cotilliard, who plays Dillinger’s faithful girlfriend, Billie Frechette. Cotilliard doesn’t have many scenes in the middle, but her work during the end is phenomenal and adds emotional weight to the film.
Like Collateral and Miami Vice before it, this film is shot largely on HD handheld cameras. This might annoy some viewers, but I found it added depth to the film, almost making it feel like you’re watching the home videos of Dillinger. For example, during the gun fights, the camera will follow Dillinger as he ducks for cover from gunshots, then move back up as he returns fire. It made me feel as if I was actually alongside Dillinger during his last few months alive.
What hurts this film is the runtime. Not that the film is too long, but too short. Some of the characters (the FBI agents in particular) are short changed to the point that when they do have a pivotal scene, it’s a bit jarring since they haven’t spoken nearly two hours into the film. I have a feeling Mann was forced to cut down the film a bit, which will probably be implemented on the DVD version.
With Public Enemies, Mann rebounds from the much-hated Miami Vice (though I’m one of the few people who enjoyed it) to provide a meticulously researched look at crime in the 1930s. Like all of the Mann’s films, it’s well paced, the action scenes are executed beautifully, and the climax is pulse pounding. It’s worth noting that this Mann’s most action packed film by far, with bank robberies and shootouts happening consistently throughout. Public Enemies isn’t Mann’s best work, that honor still goes to Heat, but it is a well-done action film for the adult crowd.
Sound Off
Last post: Jul. 12, 2009 at 10:14 am
Stephanie (Stephanie Poquette) said on Jul. 6, 2009 at 6:23 pm:
I knew this film would be great, but I could be bias because I pretty much love anything Johnny Depp is in--minus that horrific Willy Wonka remake. But, I would have to disagree and say the one thing that bothered me the most was the run time. I thought the film was too long, or possibly it just dragged in some spots. Overall I thought it was well-acted by everyone including Bale, just not what I expected.
Chris (Christopher Fairfield) said on Jul. 7, 2009 at 3:34 pm:
@Greg: We didn't mean to intentionally omit the Art Theatre from our listing. We used to generate our Movie Times automatically from Google, and Boardman's, for some reason, fell off the Google radar a few weeks ago. Good news is that we've switched to IMDB and Boardman's is back on the site (along with Harvest Moon as well!).
On a side note, I came out to the Wednesday 7pm showing with the cars and the swing dancers. I had a great time and, as always, the Art's presentation was top-notch.
mandacw88 (unregistered user) said on Jul. 12, 2009 at 10:14 am:
I LOVED this film! I think one of the main reasons I liked was because they filmed a scene in my hometown (St. Anne, the town has only 1300 residents) and at the end of the day Johnny Depp signed autographs. I also loved that for most of the movie I know the exact location it was filmed at (Union Station in Chicago, Crown Point, IN, Michigan City, IN, and of course, St. Anne, IL).
I loved the action and everything about it. I even felt sorry for Dillinger in the end. Such a great movie.
Greg Boardman (unregistered user) said on Jul. 3, 2009 at 10:57 am:
One theatre in town has an exclusive digital sound system found only in major cities around the world, which places the patron in the most realistic environment possible, adding greatly to the enjoyment of films. In addition, for this film, the theatre had the only midnight show in town Tuesday. Five period cars from local car clubs were on the street on Wednesday, with swing dancers dancing under the marquee and in the auditorium. The theatre marquee has been turned back to 1930's, staff dressed in period clothing and.......the 217 doesn't even list Boardman's Theatre_Art, 126 W. Church St. downtown Champaign, as showing the film! Boardman's is practically on campus yet somehow you missed it! Note: DAILY SHOWS 1, 4, 7, 10 pm.