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
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
