PUBLIC ENEMIES is what Firepower is all about. You’ll never see a more exciting gunfight and shoot out this year. Director Michael Mann has crafted the ultimate cat-and-mouse game,… his best work yet. Non stop thriller action that takes only a few minutes to breathe in between before it takes you down again for a joy ride. Christian Bale and Johnny Depp are charismatic and unstoppable, the new Robert De Niro and Al Pacino of Heat. You’re gonna wanna see PUBLIC ENEMIES again and again. It makes you wanna get a tommy gun. Hands down, one of the best movies of the year.
In the action-thriller “Public Enemies,” acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp)—the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover’s fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public. No one could stop Dillinger and his gang. No jail could hold him. His charm and audacious jailbreaks endeared him to almost everyone—from his girlfriend Billie Frechette (Cotillard) to an American public who had no sympathy for the banks that had plunged the country into the Depression.But while the adventures of Dillinger’s gang—later including the sociopathic Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham) and Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi)—thrilled many, Hoover (Billy Crudup) hit on the idea of exploiting the outlaw’s capture as a way to elevate his Bureau of Investigation into the national police force that became the FBI. He made Dillinger America’s first Public Enemy Number One and sent in Purvis, the dashing “Clark Gable of the FBI.”.
I’m a big fan of Michael Mann’s work, except Miami Vice. That one didn’t quite live up to expectations. But Mann’s return with PUBLIC ENEMIES doesn’t disappoint. When I got to meet him briefly at the screening, I knew I was in the presence of somebody’s just downright awesome. You can tell from PUBLIC ENEMIES that he’s brought back his signature marks, signs where you can easily tell it’s a Mann’s movie. He doesn’t try to come up with CG backdrop to give us a sight of an old 1930s city, he puts the camera on a tight leash and just focus on the characters and the buildings. And just like his other action/thriller movies in the past, there’ll be a massive showdown between two opposing parties in the middle of the dead night. Mann knows what the audiences would be rooting for in this type of movie, he makes sure that when Dillinger and his men make their getaway after a robbing a bank, they’d do it in style. Cinematographer Dante Spinottie who’s worked with Mann before knows what the master filmmaker wants and what we get are shots that give that reality impression and definitely heavy emphasis on the well-choreographed violence. I enjoy how the movie likes to keep using Otis Taylor’s catchy song ‘Ten Million Slaves’, somehow it fits perfectly in the presentation.
Johnny Depp is the epitome of cool, he knows it and uses it to the fullest for this role. His character John Dillinger’s got enough charm and confidence to spare but only has eyes for one lady. If you thought the way Jack Sparrow carried himself was infectious, wait til you see how Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger, he’s a bad guy who loves being infamous. The unlikely Robin Hood in a time of Great Depression when people could care less about the banks he robs.
Christian Bale who plays special Agent Melvin Purvis assigned to hunt down Dillinger, is as excellent as Depp. It’s like having 2 heavyweight fighters in a ring and the match is long overdue. They both keep each other on their toes.
Bale has been known as an actor who can listen well and mimic any accent. He puts down a great effort to sound like he wasn’t born in Wales.
Great star-studded cast overall, Michael Mann’s lucky enough to have excellent actors signing up from left and right to play both members of the gang and members of the FBI including Billy Crudup who captures young Edgar Hoover’s insecure, arrogant and stubborn personality down pat. Marion Cotillard gives a great supporting performance as the girlfriend who’s willing to risk everything for a man she barely knows. She’s not an easy woman for Dillinger to conquer.
What really will get you hooked, once again, is the cat and mouse game. Purvis catches Dillinger but Dillinger gets away, Purvis closing in on Dillinger but Dillinger is one step ahead of all of them. You see many different ways it’s done throughout the entire movie and you’ll get entertained every single time. Just when you thought the bad guy’s captured and the good guy gets all the glory, the game begins again.
I’m glad Mann decided to take the story up a notch by not just making it about Dillinger Vs. Purvis, it’s about what would happen when a man is pushed to the point of desperation. You never work with or never ever trust a desperate man, that’s the theme that you see in the character development. Both Dillinger and Purvis are good at what they do, but then circumstances happen that would turn them into desperate men. Alienated by his business partners, Dillinger starts to lose what makes him hard to catch in the first place. Without realizing it he starts to create predictable patterns and habits that would eventually get him easily fooled, he becomes unaware of unwanted surprises . Pressured by Edgar Hoover, Melvin Purvis finds himself allowing certain methods to get Dillinger, the ends justify the means is the result. Some say that Michael Mann’s endings rarely hit the level of satisfactory, I say PUBLIC ENEMIES’ ending won’t let you down, without being too extravagant, it concludes itself just the right way.
* Place the cursor on the image below to check my grade for this film
Excellent review. This is one I have been waiting for. After reading your review, the anticipation just grew a few more notches.
Thanks
haha
glad I could help…
it was that cool!
Very good review, thanks. I can’t wait to see this film.
And thanks for good words about Bale, he needs them now.
he might be a short tempered actor who takes things too seriously but he’s a talented actor nonetheless..
How the Little Bohemia shootout? Would you rate it above the Heat Bank Robbery shootout?
HEAT is still the classic so that bank robbery was more intense
Which screening did you go to and when did it show?
Movie looks pretty awesome, looking forward to it!
This is an awesome review!! Thanks so much!
How was the romance between Billie & John? How did Marion do??
I went to the screening at Sherman Oaks… MIchael Mann was there so that was awesome
The romance between Billie and John was a pivotal part of the story… just like in any story like this.. the feds will try to get to John through Billie..
either Billie will, without realizing it, lead them to John… or John will come try and rescue her.
Marion Cotillard did fantastic,.. she’s an Oscar winner so that’s a plus.. definitely can play in the same level with the boys (depp and bale)
I’m not sure if you would remember, but did they emphasize at all the part where Dillinger and his woman at the time (LeeLee Sobieski) get into two different elevators at what is suppposed to be the CPD. They did say that that was supposed to be a pretty intense scene. I’m not sure because I havent seen the film yet and obviously u have. Thanks for your help
Glad I could help
.. I don’t wanna spoil too much.. the movie was that awesome and I hope you’d be as entertained as I was
Great review…I wanted to know if Sam Cowley was in the film. I know the family and thought it would be really cool if he was in it. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks!
If you meant the character Sam Cowley.. then yes, I think he’s played by actor Richard Short in this movie
Excellent! What fun! Is it a good role?
I can’t remember exactly… I probably need to watch it again
we were all too focused on Purvis Vs. Dillinger
Well thanks…again it looks excellent! and great review!
cool beans!
The last Michael Mann movie I saw was MIAMI VICE and it turned out to be better than I had expected. After reading your review of PUBLIC ENEMIES, I hope that my expectations are too high, because it sounds as if you really enjoyed it. But it does look good.
You won’t get disappointed Rosie
PUBLIC ENEMIES was really that good
Some people think from IMDB.com thinks your review is a fake. Could you provide proof that you were at the screening like a scan of the picture ticket or something?
Personally I enjoyed your review and I hope it is as good as you say.
They can talk all they want.. why on earth would I lie about a movie I really did watch.
I don’t know if you’ve been to a special screening before but how it’s done is that the people in charge would take the so-called tickets and stamp your hand as proof of attendance.
so.. as much as I’d like to show any type of proof.. my review is the only remaining evidence.
I went to the screening of THE SOLOIST last year and I posted the review here before the movie finally opened this year.. nobody complained.
Even IF they didn’t take the ticket.. I watched PUBLIC ENEMIES weeks ago…why on earth would I wanna keep holding on to a movie ticket for such a long time?! Or why on earth would I wanna take a photo or scan a movie ticket?!
It’s not family photos, it’s not anything nostalgic..
I’m a geek but not that weird.
If they choose not to believe me.. that’s their problem..
All My reviews are real,.. based on all the movies I’ve actually seen.. and that’s that
I can see why they might think it’s fake.. I did spend too much time in my review talking about Michael Mann’s movies typical characteristics, aspects that Mann’s movie a Mann’s movie.. I probably should’ve gone straight to the Depp and Bale paragraph.
I didn’t mean to upset you so I’m really sorry. Your great review is making my wait unbearable for July 1st and only another month to go. I’m a huge Michael Mann fan and his films are an acquired taste and it’s not for everybody. I know Mann has a small but extremely loyal fans.
Judging by the previous reviews from test screenings, most reviews say Melvin Purvis character was not developed enough and his relationship with Hoover was not deep enough. What is your opinion on Bale’s character? Did Mann somehow fleshed out more of his character in the cut you saw?
Nick.. you didn’t upset me.. I apologize if I gave you that impression
I was upset at those people you said were calling me fake.. I lose many sleep hours sometimes working tirelessly on Rama’s SCREEN making it the best possible blog within my capabilities and someone came along and accused me of something I’m not.. those people are rude
but you’re cool, Nick.. no worries and thanks for the heads up.
About your question…
The cut I saw was the last screening they had on the movie so most likely it will be the version in the final print when it’s released in July.
Yes,.. it seems as though Melvin Purvis’ character wasn’t developed as much as it should’ve been and yes, his relationship with Hoover wasn’t deep enough.. but here’s what I say to those opinions..
It’s a cat-and-mouse thriller for pete’s sake!
The movie does spend some time to show us the pressure that Hoover has on Purvis that gets Purvis to question whether he wants to become a desperate man but the whole story was about.. well, once again, cat-and-mouse game between Purvis and Dillinger.. if those people are looking for relationship movie,.. this isn’t it!
Character development is important.. but you don’t come to see PUBLIC ENEMIES strictly for that.
Even the relationship between Dillinger and his girlfriend are just another piece of the game.
Here’s basically what the 2 hours and something movie was about…
Dillinger gets caught, Dillinger escapes.. Purvis hunts down Dillinger but Dillinger is one step ahead of him.
Dillinger gets caught again, Purvis meets Dillinger…
Dillinger escapes and Purvis is on the hunt again.
Purvis gets really close to Dillinger but Dillinger escapes right under Purvis’ nose.
Purvis hires experts to help him out
Dillinger gets caught but he sneaks out of the prison and still keeps his cool.
Purvis gets frustrated so he allows a bit torture methods.
Purvis gets Dillinger cornered in the midde of dark forest, but Dilinger barely escapes
Purvis catches Dilinger’s girlfriend, and the rest is history
Mann does every one of those in the most coolest way possible and I wasn’t disappointed… so much firepower!
****Beware of Spoilers below****
I have read PE script. How intense was Billie torture scene by the FBI. Did they actually show her peeing on the floor? My second question is did they show Alvin Karpis’s arrest staged by Hoover at the end of the movie or didn’t make the cut you saw.
****End of Spoilers****
My second question is was there lots of blood in this movie. The more the better in my personal opinion LOL.
I didn’t really wanna spoil too much here.. because it would take the fun away
but.. the Billie torture scene was pretty intense, it was hard to watch but it shows the desperation and frustration that Purvis’ men had from not having captured Dillinger, they felt like they’ve been made a joke out of this whole thing.
but then Purvis didn’t let condone the torture.
I watched the movie a while ago so I can’t say I remember Alvin Karpis’ arrest.
Was there lots of blood in the movie? I would say so.. from gunshot wound.
What was the running time for you movie? Was it over 2 hours long?
Can you give score to each of these movie (the scale is 0 to 10). So that i will know how good is “public enemies” compare to these Mann’s movie. thanx !!! and sorry, my english is bad..
-HEAT
-The Last of The Mohicans
-Miami Vice
-The Insider
-Collateral
-Public Enemies
Heat: 9
The Last of the Mohicans: 7
Miami Vice: 5
The Inside: 10
Collateral: 8
Public Enemies: 9
If I remember correctly, yes I think the runtime was over 2 hours
It’s nice to hear that Bale did a good job in this movie. How much screen time does he have? Lately Bale’s acting hasn’t impressed me. The dark knight and terminator salvation made me cringe. So I really hope Bale does a good job in this movie.
He did a good job in PUBLIC ENEMIES.. at least good enough for his character, Melvin Purvis.
Now, if I remembered correctly, I think he had a fair amount of screen time.. I understand that his name is listed as one of the lead stars.
THE DARK KNIGHT was amazing because the story was excellent and Heath Ledger’s Joker was perfect… Bale was decent as Bruce Wayne/Batman, he did his job
You mentioned that he did a great job with the accent. Does it sound similar to 310 to yuma’s southern accent or is it different? Thanks for answering my last question. Much appreciated
It’s different
Do you think the critics will generally like this film? As well, will PE in your opinion will get any oscar nominations.
I’m not too sure about that.. when I was watching it.. I felt it was fun..I think it just aimed to thrill.. I certainly didn’t get the impression that it tried to be Oscar worthy
if any, it might get nomination for best costume but that’s a long shot.
Other critics might spot some flaws that I overlooked because once again.. I had a blast watching it.
Do you think Depp deserve an Oscar for this movie?
his acting was impressive… as always.. but nope, I don’t think he deserves an Oscar for this movie…
This movie was awesome but not rate any micheal mann movie over heat and collateral, the insider was good too but not higher in rank amongst mann movies.I would have like this movie more and givin it a 5 star instead of a 4 and a half star rating.What I like about mann movies is its authentic and this movie isnt the camera work and sound is but not the story.I hated knowing that things that really never happened started since the very beggining of the movie.Dillinger never breaks out those guys in the start of the movie its the other way around.Billie didnt play a big part of dillingers life till his death (but I know you need a love story so thats cool).But other things I cant let go.Nobody dies in that night time shootout NOBODY they all get away.And theres a bank robbery after they escape days later where homer does actually die by a bullet to the head.And babyface nelson dies MONTHS!!!!(4 to be exact) after dillinger not the other way around.I would have rather seen it the way it really happened plus the movie could have been a little longer(not too much I know its already long)showing how he grew up(which I dont know if you know dillinger history but it was very interesting)they could have also added parts like the crew posing as vault security to get in for the robbery,or when they posed as movie directors to get in the vault showing how creative and smart the whole crew was and what made them so successful.Dissappointing I would have expected authenticity by micheal mann.But of course I still like it a lot cause the gun fights and good acting and its mann(I just wanted more truth)
I beg to differ.I can almost garauntee you erix depp will get an oscar for this film.Im usually good at predicting them like when I saw he was doing a musical (sweeney todd) months before it came outI was all like automatic nomination and I didnt even see the movie,didnt need to, I know how the oscars role.And considering they gave him a nomination for pirates I think the academies have been itching to give him one,this role should do it.So unless hanks,washington,or seymore hoffman come out with a killer role again I dont see anything standing in his way,I said it before when they where just showing previews of the movie and after seeing the film (its not good enough for me to give an oscar)But I just say because Im sure the academy wants an excuse to give him one.I bet you