Is the Public Enemy here Mr. Dillinger or just the director?
Written: Jul 14 '09 (Updated Jul 14 '09)
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Product Rating:
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| Bang For The Buck |
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Pros: The sets.
Cons: Christian Bale; lack of character development; confusing; obnoxious cinematographic style.
The Bottom Line: If you want a headache-inducing generic gangster film, then Public Enemies might be just the trick.
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| tjhassecrets's Full Review: Public Enemies |
There comes a time in our lives when we are forced into things we don't want to do. Whether it be pot, alcohol, or sex, peer pressure plays a very big role in our lives. Age is not a factor. I try not to give into such things, but it's easier to give in than to be strong. I gave in. I went to see Public Enemies with a group of friends, resulting in a collective gang of frowns and multiple parodies throughout the rest of night. Starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard, Public Enemies tells the tale of a gangster and his band of cronies as they blatantly rob banks, treat people like crap, and act like no-no-notorious celebrities. Unlike many gangster films, though, this one isn't in the least bit compelling or effective. Any emotions I had for this film were embarrassment and anger, as I sat in the chilled theater and played with eyebrows for the two-hours it took to torture myself. The story itself may have been interesting and original (it's non-fiction), however the director shot himself the foot with horrendous cinematographic flourishes and styles that cheapen the overall feel. Unlike 99.9% of all action films, this one uses the same lighting and filming as a Making-Of-Featurette. When I'm more interesting in the my flat soda, my friend's catty comments, and the theater's exit sign, then it's pretty safe to say that the atmosphere of Michael Mann's film is nonexistent.
A BRIEF SYNOPSIS
John Dillinger is a dramatic man who makes a living publicly robbing banks and eluding police. Shortly a planned prison break, he meets a struggling coat-checker named Billie with whom he beings a relationship that's only destined to fail. Much of the film is spent running from the police, getting more and more profit, and trying to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend. Based on the true-life story of a notorious gangster, Public Enemies is a tale of wit and sacrifice...sort of.
MORE THINGS I HATED ABOUT PUBLIC ENEMIES
It's definitely difficult to create empathy or sympathy for a group of gangsters who rob and steal their way to the headlines, but it's possible-- watch The Godfather. Out of a cast of about fifteen common characters, there isn't a single one I felt the least bit sorry for. And, speaking of these fifteen common characters, the main character, Depp's John Dillinger, is more talked about than seen, and the focus is sporadic and difficult to follow. Collectively, the two biggest names in the film have about 10 lines, and the bulk of the film is nothing but pure filler featuring an unsteady Blair Witch camera style and confusing action scenes. Without a focal point, it's difficult to set about any of the characters apart, especially when they are all styled similarly. Apart from Dillinger and his lover Billie Frechette (well played by Marion Cotillard), just about every character can be lumped into the same group of generic extras, except that these men actually have names-- not that I know any of them, considering the insane camera angles and changes. The "fly-on-the-wall" technique of filming is more head-ache inducing and painful to watch than in the least bit effective. The chaotic nature may be intended to give you the feeling of being a part of the action, but if your film has no atmosphere to begin with, by this point the audience has lost all interest. That and when the initial rush is over, and the scene has come to an end...you have no clue what just happened or who just died. Even worse may have been Christian Bale's ridiculous job as Melvin Purvis, the man beneath J.E. Hoover and the one out to get Dillinger. Unlike Depp's brazen performance or Cotillard's way of tricking us, his delivery is pathetic and sad. With every scene he was in that featured an unnecessary close-up, the line "I'm still Christian Bale" exudes from his eyes. His vocal delivery and adapted accent are wooden and laughable-- and trust me, all six of us were laughing hysterical whenever he said a single word. The way he portrayed Mr. Purvis made me, personally, hate him more than just about any other character, including the generic agent who beats the ever loving crap out Dillinger's lover. As brilliant as his co-stars were in their roles, he was just as horrendous and disappointing. The real stars of this film were the brilliant sets, which were historically accurate to a T-- this is because the bulk of the film was shot in locations in which these crimes took place, including the exact place a gun fight actually took place. The mood of the early 1930s is consistent throughout the entire film, making the environments more believable than the actors and character they housed.
VERDICT
After any movie I see in theaters, I rush home to check up more information on it regardless of how enjoyable it was. Turns out, there are two other films based on this story...I might check those out, because I think the tale of Dillinger's notoriety and behavior should be told the right way and with less fancy flourishes that get in the way of storytelling, continuity, and atmosphere. I want my ten-dollars back.
Recommended:
No
Movie Mood: Action Movie
Worst Part of this Film: Everything
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tjhassecrets
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Location: Gießen, Germany
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Fancy Fresh 80s Disco King.
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