Public Enemies (2009)

This Michael Mann–helmed project follows the exploits of John Dillinger and his gang in the 1930s, but lacks much of a point of view about the events that unfold. Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard, and Christian Bale headline a fine cast, but there’s little for them to do beyond fill the images of Mr. Mann’s too-modern Depression-era America. Over-stylized and under-scripted, the film wastes good performances, particularly from Ms. Cotillard. Disappointing, and not recommended.

**⅛ (out of *****)

©2023 David R. George III

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2009 • 2 HOURS, 20 MINUTES
UNIVERSAL PICUTRES • RELATIVITY MEDIA • FORWARD PASS • MISHER FILMS • TRIBECA PRODUCTIONS • APPIAN WAY • DENTSU

STARRING
• JOHNNY DEPP, CHRISTIAN BALE, MARION COTILLARD

ALSO STARRING
• BILLY CRUDUP, STEPHEN DORFF, STEPHEN LANG

WRITTEN BY
• RONAN BENNETT AND MICHAEL MANN & ANN BIDERMAN (SCREENPLAY BY)
• BRYAN BURROUGH (BASED ON THE BOOK BY)

DIRECTED BY
• MICHAEL MANN

NO 2009 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS