MOVIE
REVIEW: PUBLIC ENEMIES

06/30/09

SYNOPSIS:
Set during the Depression-era's great
crime wave, the story of the government's attempt to stop
legendary criminals John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and
Pretty Boy Floyd. This operation transformed the FBI into
the first federal police force from the powerless agency it
once was.
REVIEW: Last Week
the Academy announced that it was expanding the nominations
for best film from 5 to 10. Well, "Public Enemies" may be
just the first one on that list. An adaptation of the
non-fiction book "Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime
Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34" by Bryan Burrough,
with a screenplay and direction by one of Americas' best
crime film directors Michael Mann. Public Enemies delivers
big in every department.
The first thing that is
palpable in this film is the intensity brought to the the
characters by its cast. Jhonny Depp who is at a stage in his
career in which basically he has done everything, delivers
his best performance yet. Depp doesn't have to proof
anything to anybody. However, if there were any doubts in
the eyes of Depp's critics on any of his previous
characterizations, this film will probably change that
criticism into praises. His characterization of John
Dillenger was more than expected, A total devotion to his
character giving the realism, the charisma and intensity
that this 1930's iconic bank robber was known for. Though in
action scenes, savvy in climatic situations and emotional in
dramatic situations. Many will argue that Depp's
characterization was too cool to resemble Dillenger's
persona, however these were only a few in the entire film.
In the same fashion Christian Bale delivers another limited,
but solid performance.
If you have read Bryan
Burrough's book or have read the real life stories of these
iconic bank robbers in the 1930's, you will notice that
Mann's screenplay is as close as it can be to the real
events. The escapes from jails, the bank assaults and the
bloody confrontations bring the realism of a transitional
period in American society.
In terms of special effects
believe it or not there are plenty. Specially in the sound
department. I have never hearD a 1930's machine guns and
shotguns sound so loud, that it felt real. This can be
experienced fully in what I consider the best action
sequence of the film, which is the confrontation between the
outlaws and the FBI in the
Wisconsin's Little Bohemia Lodge.
It was like the outside shotgun shots were going inside the
theater, just unbelievable.
Overall Public Enemies is
Michael Mann's best crime film yet.
Review by The Critic
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