Johnny Depp & Marion Cotillard in Public Enemies. Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/public-enemies/32262/main
The preview for Public Enemies lured me into the theater as well as knowing it was directed by Michael Mann of TV's Miami Vice fame. He also knows how to make good crime movies with energetic action scenes like in Heat and Manhunter. I didn't care much for his movie version of Miami Vice. It had a few good moments but if you changed the title and the characters' names, you wouldn't know its source.
Mann's new opus about John Dillinger and other gangsters of the early 1930's pursued by the FBI is a treat for the eyes since it was filmed in high def where you can see every pore and follicle on faces. The photography, sets, and costumes make it breathe and truly appreciated on the big screen. Every face looks authentic down to the extras in crowd scenes. Johnny Depp as Dillinger brings another great performance to his busy career. I really think he is the best actor of his generation; some think it's Sean Penn so let's call it a tie although Depp takes more risks with oddball roles. Dillinger is not one of them but here you never take your eyes off him. Christian Bale has the less showy part but very good in a steely, quiet way; when he talks he gets right to the point and shoots the same way. These two contrasting performances work well and in their one scene together. Marion Cotillard, who deserved her Oscar or any award as Edith Piaf, is fine as Depp's love interest; she deserves better parts than this one but it's good to see her in anything. We didn't recognize Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover so that's a feather in his cap. Anytime an actor is buried in his role is a plus. Rent Stage Beauty with his portrayal of a Shakespearean actor to see how good he is.
Public Enemies's trailer is fast-paced unlike the movie which seems longish. The bank heists and prison & jail escapes are excitingly edited to grab your attention and not let go. For all the historical-looking accuracy, there should have been more info about Dillinger such as why he was considered a folk hero protected by local authorities. The fleeting references to that era's history that get buried in the visuals. Again this movie is a case of style over substance and a representative example of Mann's visual style. The mood is dark & dour even for a story taking place during the Depression except for Depp's quips. Compare this one to The Untouchables with Kevin Coster and Sean Connery and you'll see what I mean. Overall it's worth seeing for the visuals and the cast.
Mann's new opus about John Dillinger and other gangsters of the early 1930's pursued by the FBI is a treat for the eyes since it was filmed in high def where you can see every pore and follicle on faces. The photography, sets, and costumes make it breathe and truly appreciated on the big screen. Every face looks authentic down to the extras in crowd scenes. Johnny Depp as Dillinger brings another great performance to his busy career. I really think he is the best actor of his generation; some think it's Sean Penn so let's call it a tie although Depp takes more risks with oddball roles. Dillinger is not one of them but here you never take your eyes off him. Christian Bale has the less showy part but very good in a steely, quiet way; when he talks he gets right to the point and shoots the same way. These two contrasting performances work well and in their one scene together. Marion Cotillard, who deserved her Oscar or any award as Edith Piaf, is fine as Depp's love interest; she deserves better parts than this one but it's good to see her in anything. We didn't recognize Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover so that's a feather in his cap. Anytime an actor is buried in his role is a plus. Rent Stage Beauty with his portrayal of a Shakespearean actor to see how good he is.
Public Enemies's trailer is fast-paced unlike the movie which seems longish. The bank heists and prison & jail escapes are excitingly edited to grab your attention and not let go. For all the historical-looking accuracy, there should have been more info about Dillinger such as why he was considered a folk hero protected by local authorities. The fleeting references to that era's history that get buried in the visuals. Again this movie is a case of style over substance and a representative example of Mann's visual style. The mood is dark & dour even for a story taking place during the Depression except for Depp's quips. Compare this one to The Untouchables with Kevin Coster and Sean Connery and you'll see what I mean. Overall it's worth seeing for the visuals and the cast.
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