Jason KingPublic Enemies ($13.50)
July 31st 2009 05:59
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REVIEW BY SEAN
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Public Enemies - $13.50 REVIEW BY SEAN
In the action-thriller Public Enemies, acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Academy Award Winner (La Vie En Rose) in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp) - the charismatic bank robber whose lightening fast raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover's fledging FBI and it's top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public. Thanks to Universal
After the tragedy that was MV (the film which much not be named), Michael Mann has redeemed himself with Public Enemies, a crime thriller about John Dillinger. Dillinger was to America what Ned Kelly was to Australia.
Shot all digital HD (High Definition Red Camera - for those playing at home), Mann has continued his tradition of cheap filmmaking, utilising cheap cameras with hard drives which, again for those playing at home, allow the filmmaker to shoot as much as they desire (Kubrick would have loved these). But Mann has out done himself with the recreation of 1933 depression-stricken America. The sets are phenomenal and the casting is brilliant.
But Depp and Bale are only the big players in this production. David Wenham, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff and Leelee Sobeski all join Depp on the dark side. Whilst the Bureau is headed up by Billy Crudup (playing a very convincing Hoover), Rory Cochrane and Matt Craven. Other stars include Emilie de Raven and Channing Tatum.
But this film is a whole lot more than just fancy shots and big names. It delves deep into the lives of Dillinger and Purvis. Two men who are just out to do what they believe in. But they aren't completely ruthless. Dillinger only ever killed one man. But they both cared for the people around them, and that's what gives this film its heart and soul.
Whilst it is a long film, it certainly doesn't get boring. It's an entertaining story and the shootouts are some of the best in recent years. In one scene, the FBI, led by Purvis, creep up on a lodge that Dillinger is holed up in. Whilst named differently to the actual hotel, it was the same location as where the actual gun fight took place.
A large part of the film is based around Hoover's attempts to make the Bureau of Investigation a national thing, and give its agents the power to pursue across state lines. Thus beginning the Federal Bureau of Investigation, complete with illegal wire taps, ruthless interrogations and the belief that they "are the law".
None the less, the film is well crafted, well performed and well cut together. Worth the watch. $13.50.
Enjoy...Sean
In the action-thriller Public Enemies, acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Academy Award Winner (La Vie En Rose) in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp) - the charismatic bank robber whose lightening fast raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover's fledging FBI and it's top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public. Thanks to Universal
After the tragedy that was MV (the film which much not be named), Michael Mann has redeemed himself with Public Enemies, a crime thriller about John Dillinger. Dillinger was to America what Ned Kelly was to Australia.
Shot all digital HD (High Definition Red Camera - for those playing at home), Mann has continued his tradition of cheap filmmaking, utilising cheap cameras with hard drives which, again for those playing at home, allow the filmmaker to shoot as much as they desire (Kubrick would have loved these). But Mann has out done himself with the recreation of 1933 depression-stricken America. The sets are phenomenal and the casting is brilliant.
But Depp and Bale are only the big players in this production. David Wenham, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff and Leelee Sobeski all join Depp on the dark side. Whilst the Bureau is headed up by Billy Crudup (playing a very convincing Hoover), Rory Cochrane and Matt Craven. Other stars include Emilie de Raven and Channing Tatum.
But this film is a whole lot more than just fancy shots and big names. It delves deep into the lives of Dillinger and Purvis. Two men who are just out to do what they believe in. But they aren't completely ruthless. Dillinger only ever killed one man. But they both cared for the people around them, and that's what gives this film its heart and soul.
Whilst it is a long film, it certainly doesn't get boring. It's an entertaining story and the shootouts are some of the best in recent years. In one scene, the FBI, led by Purvis, creep up on a lodge that Dillinger is holed up in. Whilst named differently to the actual hotel, it was the same location as where the actual gun fight took place.
A large part of the film is based around Hoover's attempts to make the Bureau of Investigation a national thing, and give its agents the power to pursue across state lines. Thus beginning the Federal Bureau of Investigation, complete with illegal wire taps, ruthless interrogations and the belief that they "are the law".
None the less, the film is well crafted, well performed and well cut together. Worth the watch. $13.50.
Enjoy...Sean
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Comment by Jason King
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Thanks Sean
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-CR.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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now knowing David Wenham, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff, Leelee Sobeski, and Billy Crudup are in it, i will make it a definite MUST-SEE
Comment by Jason King
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Salty Popcorn
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