The Reel Picture: Public Enemies

By Ashliegh Bauman
Friday, Aug. 20, 2010

I'm used to seeing Johnny Depp in silly roles such as Captain Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka. In these roles, Depp brings out his quirky side which makes it hard for me to picture him in a more serious role. However, he gives an amazing performance in Public Enemies as the infamous John Dillinger. And even though Depp had to set his quirkiness aside for this film, he shows a softer side when he is around Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard).

Although Christian Bale had to leave his Batman suit at home when he accepted the role of agent Melvin Purvis, the role of Purvis is similar to Bale's role in The Dark Knight. He's the same type of quiet, mysterious hero trying to put an end to crime. With the help of fellow FBI agents, Purvis cornered John Dillinger on more than one occasion before finally ending Dillinger's crime spree. The cat and mouse game had its exciting moments, but some of the violence in the shootouts was almost too much for me to handle.

Although Public Enemies is based on the true story of John Dillinger, some historical facts were altered. For example -- Anna Sage (Branka Katic) is the original "lady in red." However, when she is escorting Dillinger to the Biograph Theater in the film, she is wearing an orange skirt and a white blouse. Billie Frechette's real name was Evelyn Frechette and in 1924, before Dillinger met Frechette, he married Beryl Hovious.

I am giving Public Enemies 3 stars because of Depp, the chemistry between Depp and Cotillard, the historical factor (it's always interesting to me to see how real historical figures are depicted in film), and the glitz of the music and costumes. It was enjoyable for a gangster flick -- but it was long, as most of its genre tends to be.

I am drawn to certain eras like the 1930s through the 1950s. I love the clothes that the women wore and the music always makes me want to dance (even though I'm not the best dancer). I felt that the music and costumes in this film was a perfect match to the time period that the actors were portraying. In the end, if the movie doesn't captivate you, then the cinematography will.

For more info on the real John Dillinger: The FBI's John Dillinger page.