PUBLIC ENEMIES
(2009)
Directed by- Michael Mann
Written by- Ronan Bennett, Ann Biderman & Michael Mann
*Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Stephen Lang, Stephen Dorff, Jason Clarke, Michael Bentt, Stephen Graham, Billy Crudup
There are films which you don't fall in love with instantly, but a subsequent rewatch surprisingly turns your entire impression of them around and you are left wondering how could you have missed it the first time?
Public Enemies is one of those films.
I remember not being impressed by it the first time, despite the stellar cast and lucrative setting, and just gave it 2.5 stars.
But boy, how my views changed after this rewatch!
What a truly masterful film, superbly directed and told in a slow-burning, realistic fashion.
The film follows legendary bank robber, John Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp) and his gang as it's doggedly pursued by FBI agent, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) and his team of G-men.
But the film doesn't take the beaten path of exploring the flamboyant lifestyle of a celebrated gangster, him with his cronies and his broads, rather takes a serious, life-like approach to the character, thereby lending him believability.
He has the cronies, he has the broads, and he has the fast cars and noisy guns like all other gangsters, but they have function and aren't just for show.
At the other end is his nemesis, Purvis, who is disciplined and methodical. A perfect opposition to a strong protagonist, supported by, well, J. Edgar Hoover.
The film really got to me with its restrained tone.
There are gunfights, bloody noisy ones too, and there are chases and thrills and all the obligatory gangster ingredients. But they are executed in a unique style which doesn't overdo the exhilaration of a bank robbery, or the erratic action in a gunfight.
It may seem like a downer to some, probably did to me in my first viewing, but I really appreciated it this time around.
Technically too, the film is wonderful. The digital cinematography was sumptuous to say the least.
The accelerated frame rate seemed a bit off initially, but I got used to it.
The music was delightful, perfectly supporting the screenplay and providing some memorable tunes.
However, the sound seemed a but uneven, as there were sudden bursts of noise amid silences even as characters were speaking.
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Of course, there are a few downsides to it too.
The story for one, drifts from one location to another but doesn't really settle in anywhere.
The pacing is even, but could have been rushed a bit. Even in scenes of tension the build up is not present, which could have had a lasting impact in such scenes.
The writing also seemed a bit lacking. There are some cool dialogues, but the story never really holds my interest.
However, I actually didn't need it too. Depp had that covered.
The acting was fabulous. With a cast led by Depp, Bale, Cotillard nothing less was expected.
Depp ruled the screen with his serious turn as the cool gangster, effortlessly endearing him to us.
Overall, a very powerful film which doesn't flaunt its power through grand spectacles but a game of wits and cool characters.
Could have been better but still likable the way it is.
Rating- 3.8/5
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