"Public Enemies" (movie review)

A film about John Dillinger getting his come-uppance in 1933.
Period costume/cars/decor all wondrously detailed and convincing.
Not an ultra-blokey movie.
Yes there is graphic violence and shooting, but not gratuitous, I think.
Marion Cotillard (Piaf in La Vie en Rose) is outstanding.
Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover is eerily entertaining.
Christian Bale convinces as the man charged with bringing down Dillinger.
But the movie belongs lock, stock and both barrels to Johnny Depp.
The challenge is of course to make the gang leader a sympathetic character.
As with many of his screen roles, Depp slides right into character, and gives us a glimpse of the "alternative morality" that gangs live by...a morality in which violence is essential, and the greatest virtue is loyalty...it is, tragically, this virtue which becomes Dillinger's downfall.
3 great scenes are: Dillinger meets Billie (Cotillard) and rescues her from being a hat check girl,
Dillinger visits the special office set up to track him down, and nobody recognises him....
The penultimate scene, in which the soundtrack really does go beyond the call of duty (no spoiling on this blogsite, dear readers!).
So, if you're a Depp fan, you have already seen it!
If you're a gangster movie fan, you must see it.
If you're female, you're probably a Depp fan, and you will need to judge whether it's worth sitting through a few bloody gun battles for the indepth characterisation - I thought so, but then I am a big Depp fan.
If not into the action scenes, you can afford to wait for the dvd.
Speaking of which the Topp Twins are out on DVD now - highly recommended!!

G.