Public Enemies Review - page 2

4 months ago 03rd Jul 10:26

Depp is great as the likeable anti-hero and is a character that you can't help routing for but he is given some great support from the likes of Marion Cotillard who interacts well with Depp in her first big English speakign role.

She gives a powerful performance as Billie, who's not entirely comfortable with Dillinger's way of life, the scene in the police station where she is knocked around by an FBI office really is very powerful.

It's also another great performance from Bale as Melvin Purkis, although it would have been nice to see him get in a little bit more on the action scenes. And like in Heat Bale and Depp come face to face just once in the whole movie which, despite being set in a jail, is one of the most exciting of the whole movie.

What's truly great about this film is Mann proves that you can have a grown up movie appearing in the summer months that looks beyond the computer effects and focuses on characters packing an emotional punch.

What's also interesting about this movie is the failure to acknowledge the passing of time and this goes hand in hand with Dillinger's inability to look beyond the here and now.

Dillinger never thought about the future he lived for the moment knowing that he could be arrested or killed at any moment. He didn't know what was around the corner and neither does the audience so the pair go on this ride together.

Public Enemies pulls together a great script, fine ensemble cast as well as good direction and authenticity to produce a heart pounding action movie and a fine addition to the gangster genre.

Public Enemies is out now.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw