Public Enemies

Johnny Depp is the perfect John Dillinger.

In Public Enemies, Depp gives Dillinger depth. He understands the nuances of one of America's most famous outlaws, and he doesn't play him as good or bad. He plays him as real.

Dillinger is a complicated cat. During "The Golden Age of Bank Robbery," he reigned supreme. He was cool, cold and calculated, and Depp embodies each quality flawlessly on film. Much of the character's complexity comes from how conscious Dillinger was about his public image. In one scene Depp mentions, "The public don't like kidnapping." Bank robbery is fine; just don't steal anybody. Dillinger wanted to be a celebrity, so it makes sense that one of the biggest celebrities on the planet should play him, but Depp brings this iconic figure to life.

His awareness of Dillinger's intricacies leads to the creation of an intriguing character that will draw viewers back again and again. Depp shows every side of Dillinger—the suave lover, the ruthless killer, the brilliant bank robber and the determined businessman. However, he does it all seamlessly and confidently. Where Jack Sparrow was bombastic and in-your-face, Dillinger is reserved. He may be the antithesis of one of Depp's most famous characters, but that just shows how talented the performer truly is. He can do it all.

The film is essentially about Dillinger's exploits, but that doesn't mean we don't get inside his pursuer's head. Christian Bale plays Melvin Purvis, the agent beset with the task of taking Dillinger down. Bale shows Purvis' determination through fiery facial expressions and a genuine hunter's lust in his eyes. The actor doesn't have to say much because he lets the chase consume him, and his devotion to catching Dillinger is haunting. Bale stays as cool-headed as possible, and his own reserve matches Depp's. In terms of the pursuit, he's the best agent out there, but Dillinger is always one step ahead.

Depp captures Dillinger's spirit through a classic swagger. At one point, he says, "We're having too good of a time today. We ain't thinking about tomorrow." He's living in the moment, and he really is living it up, enjoying movies and spending time at the racetrack, while the whole government seems to be trying to track him down.

Dillinger always had his eye on the prize though. Depp tells his love interest Billie, a fantastic Marion Cotillard, "The only thing that matters is where someone's going." She responds, "Where?" Depp confidently exclaims, "Anywhere I want."

Dillinger goes everywhere he damn well pleases, and typically gunfights ensue. Director Michael Mann constructs some of the best shootouts we've seen since his epic gunfight in Heat. Dillinger blasts off his Tommy Gun with reckless abandon, and the environment perfectly reflects the rough and tumble gangster times as bullet holes line the outside of every bank.

In the end, this is the kind of gangster picture that we need right now. It's entertaining, thought-provoking and real. That said, Depp's a true American gangster through and through.

—Rick Florino
07.01.09